Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the effect of the decision not to open a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service Centre in Portsmouth on (a) employment in the city and (b) international students ability to access visa and immigration services.
Sopra Steria Ltd (SSL) is currently looking for a suitable location in Portsmouth for an enhanced version of their UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service. Until this service is in place, customers have the option of visiting the facility in Southampton and other locations in the UK.
UK Visas and Immigration are currently working closely with SSL, and in consultation with the education sector, to plan effectively for the expected increased volumes associated with the student peak later in the year.