UK can accommodate ‘last minute’ additions to Lankan cricket squad

By srilank / in News , Sports

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Responding to recent comments made by Sri Lanka Cricket’s chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya, the UK Home Office says a provision exists to accommodate last minute additions to visiting sports squads.
Jayasuriya told media on Tuesday, Sri Lanka Cricket was disadvantaged by the lengthy visa process of the UK and was forced to name preliminary squad six weeks ahead of the first match.
A UK Home Office spokesman told Lanka Reporter it is routine for sporting bodies like SLC to provide to provide advance notice of group applications and to provide details of players in advance.
“We do this because it allows us to expedite the visa service. We are also able to facilitate last minute additions to squads, especially if players are able to travel to a decision-making hub,” the spokesman said.
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“The UK has a world class visa system and welcomes international sports teams from around the world.
“We are committed to providing excellent customer service but need sufficient time to ensure appropriate checks are carried out.
“For those who require a faster turnaround, we offer a priority service which allows customers to obtain a visa within five days,” the UK Home Office said with regards to Jayasuriya’s comments.
The Irish Ministry of Justice said its visa processing time is within international norms.
“While applicants for Irish visas are advised to apply as far in advance of planned travel as possible, in general, visit visa applications are processed within within one to three weeks.  This timeframe is on a par with international norms,” said a spokesperson for the Irish Ministry of Justice and Equality.
“Applications are made online with supporting documentation sent to a designated visa office or mission.  In the case of Sri Lanka, the appropriate office is the Irish Visa Office in New Delhi, India.  Delays in processing arise mainly through the submission of insufficient documentation and applicants are advised to consult and follow the guidance on documents to be submitted on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service: www.inis.gov.ie,” the statement added.
Sri Lanka's tour of England and Ireland gets underway in six weeks.

Sri Lanka's tour of England and Ireland gets underway in six weeks.

Responding to recent comments made by Sri Lanka Cricket’s chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya, the UK Home Office says a provision exists to accommodate last minute additions to visiting sports squads.

Sri Lanka Cricket was disadvantaged by the lengthy visa process of the UK and was forced to name preliminary squad six weeks ahead of the first match, Jayasuriya told media on Tuesday.

A UK Home Office spokesman told Lanka Reporter,  it’s routine for sporting bodies like SLC to provide advance notice of group applications and to provide details of players.

UK WELCOMES SPORTS TEAMS ‘FROM AROUND THE WORLD’

“We do this because it allows us to expedite the visa service. We are also able to facilitate last minute additions to squads, especially if players are able to travel to a decision-making hub,” the spokesman said.

The UK has a world class visa system and welcomes international sports teams from around the world. We are committed to providing excellent customer service but need sufficient time to ensure appropriate checks are carried out.

For those who require a faster turnaround, we offer a priority service which allows customers to obtain a visa within five days,” the UK Home Office said with regards to Jayasuriya’s comments.

ONE TO THREE WEEKS FOR IRISH VISA

The Irish Ministry of Justice said its visa processing time is within international norms.

“While applicants for Irish visas are advised to apply as far in advance of planned travel as possible, in general, visit visa applications are processed within within one to three weeks.  This time-frame is on a par with international norms,” said a spokesperson for the Irish Ministry of Justice and Equality.

Applications are made online with supporting documentation sent to a designated visa office or mission.  In the case of Sri Lanka, the appropriate office is the Irish Visa Office in New Delhi, India.  Delays in processing arise mainly through the submission of insufficient documentation and applicants are advised to consult and follow the guidance on documents to be submitted on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service: www.inis.gov.ie,” the statement added.

Sri Lanka’s Tour of Ireland and England 2014

May

6 1st ODI: Ireland v Sri Lanka, Dublin (10:45 BST)

8 2nd ODI: Ireland v Sri Lanka, Dublin (10:45 BST)

9 ODI: Scotland v England, Mannofield (10:45 BST)

13 v Essex, Chelmsford (50 overs, d/n)

16 v Kent, Canterbury (50 overs, d/n)

18 v Sussex, Hove (T20)

20 Twenty20 international, The Oval (d/n)

22 1st ODI, The Oval (d/n) (14:00 BST)

25 2nd ODI, Chester-le-Street (10:45 BST)

28 3rd ODI, Old Trafford (d/n) (14:00 BST)

31 4th ODI, Lord’s (10:45 BST)

June

3 5th ODI, Edgbaston (d/n) (14:00 BST)

5-8 v Northants, Northampton (11:00 BST)

12-16 1st Test, Lord’s (11:00 BST)

20-24 2nd Test, Headingley (11:00 BST)

Fixtures and start times are subject to change.