By Saidu Jalloh reporter D.S
The British High Commission has dismissed comments attributed to UK diplomats in a Global Times article on British visa policy, saying it was never contacted by the newspaper and was “surprised” by the publication.
In a statement issued Monday, the High Commission said it had no involvement in the article and that the remarks cited were not made through official channels. “The British High Commission in Freetown was surprised to read an article in the Global Times citing comments allegedly made by UK diplomats,” the statement read.
The mission underscored the importance of UK–Sierra Leone relations, particularly in travel and people-to-people ties. It noted that the recent rollout of e-Visas is intended to simplify applications for Sierra Leoneans traveling to the United Kingdom.
“The UK values the partnership with Sierra Leone and travel between our two countries is crucial to maintaining our partnership, including through the recent launch of e-Visas to streamline the application process for Sierra Leonean applicants visiting the UK,” the High Commission said.
Addressing broader concerns over visa procedures, the mission stated that all applications are reviewed on individual merit in line with UK immigration rules. The system, it added, is designed to facilitate legitimate travel while protecting border integrity.
“All applications are assessed based on their individual merits, in line with our immigration rules, and the UK visa system is designed to facilitate legitimate travel while maintaining the integrity of our borders,” the statement said. “We welcome applications from Sierra Leone and are committed to a fair, consistent and professional process.”
The clarification follows public debate triggered by the Global Times report. The High Commission said it issued the statement to set the record straight and reaffirm its commitment to continued cooperation with Sierra Leone.
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