Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 February 2024.

UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme opens for Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordanian nationals, making travel to the UK smoother and cheaper.

The UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme has opened for Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordanian nationals who are travelling to the UK from 22 February 2024. This expansion of the scheme follows the successful launch for Qataris, who have been able to benefit since October 2023, with most applying using the UK ETA mobile app.

ETAs replace electronic visa waivers (EVW) and remove the visa requirement for short stays to the UK for Gulf and Jordanian nationals.

Nationals of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan can now make unlimited visits to the UK over a 2-year period, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner, for just £10. Previously, Gulf nationals paid £30 through the electronic visa waiver scheme and Jordanians paid £115 for a single-use visitor visa.

Gulf visitors are highly valuable to the UK economy, with almost 800,000 Gulf visitors spending £2 billion during their stays in the UK in 2022.

The ETA is part of the UK government’s transformation and digitisation of the UK border and immigration system, enabling an increasingly seamless customer experience in the future for legitimate visitors. Ensuring robust security checks on every visitor pre-travel enables us to bolster the security of the UK border, prevent abuse and keep our communities safe.

The Home Secretary is marking the expansion of the scheme today at a celebratory event with the Gulf and Jordanian ambassadors and representatives from the travel and tourism sectors.

Home Secretary, James Cleverly, said:

The ETA will improve the experience of travelling to the UK for the thousands of visitors from the Gulf and Jordan, who represent our second largest tourism market and contribute billions to the UK economy.

The scheme is a vital step on our path to cementing the UK’s position as a world leader in border innovation and security.

Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Lord Ahmad said:

I am delighted that with the introduction of ETAs it will be even easier for our Gulf and Jordanian friends to visit the UK.

Our strong people to people links underpin our close partnership, and we all benefit from the boost to trade, education and tourism ties ETAs will bring.

The application process for an ETA is simple and fast to complete, with the process being entirely digital via a mobile phone app. Applicants need to provide biographic and biometric details and answer questions on suitability and criminality. Once individuals have successfully applied, their ETA is digitally linked to their passport.

Decisions will usually be made within 3 working days, however the majority are decided within hours.

VisitBritain CEO, Patricia Yates, said:

It is great to see the electronic travel authorisation scheme roll out to more Gulf nationals as well as for Jordanians, making travel to the UK easier, cheaper and more accessible for them. Combined with our strong airline connections, the scheme boosts our competitive tourism offer and our welcome to visitors.

Our GREAT Britain campaigns are underway across the region to showcase the breadth of exciting experiences and destinations to inspire travel to Britain. VisitBritain is also working with travel trade and partners in the Gulf so British destinations are sold internationally and to drive bookings now. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience our vibrant and dynamic tourism offer.

The scheme will apply worldwide to those who do not currently need a visa to visit or transit through the UK or who do not hold a UK immigration status, including nationals from Europe and America.

Other nationalities cannot and do not need to apply yet and timings for when the scheme opens for them will be confirmed in due course.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 February 2024.

The UK has imposed fresh sanctions on Myanmar military-linked entities and infantry divisions to mark 3 years since the military coup.

• UK imposes fresh sanctions against military divisions and enterprises involved in the repression of the civilian population and serious human rights violations in Myanmar
• in the 3 years since the military coup, the UK has sanctioned 25 individuals and 33 entities under the Myanmar sanctions regime
• the UK and partners have published a joint statement condemning the military’s ongoing violence against civilians

3 years on from the military coup in Myanmar, the UK has imposed further sanctions against those responsible for ongoing repression in the country. Sanctioned today are 2 Myanmar military divisions responsible for carrying out serious human rights violations and 2 state-owned enterprises which provide economic resources and support to the Myanmar security forces.

Sanctions against 2 state-owned enterprises affiliated with the Myanmar security forces will help block the regime’s access to vital resources used to strengthen the military’s grip. Also sanctioned today are 2 Light Infantry Divisions of the Myanmar security forces, which since the coup have escalated their appalling attacks against civilians, including targeting voices of dissent and opposition.

Since the coup the UK has sanctioned 25 individuals and 33 entities under the Myanmar Sanctions Regime, targeting the military’s access to finance, arms and equipment. The UK has also targeted the military’s 2 key conglomerates and their 111 subsidiaries, as well as 3 individuals under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, most recently in December 2023.

In addition to fresh sanctions, the United Kingdom has, alongside 8 countries and the EU, released a joint statement, reiterating our condemnation of the military regime’s continued violence against and repression of its own people.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

Three years after its coup, we are increasing our pressure on the Myanmar military to stop its brutal repression of the Myanmar people.

That’s why the UK is imposing new sanctions to help stop the military’s access to resources. We are joining with international partners to call for renewed efforts to secure a peaceful and democratic future for Myanmar.

The entities sanctioned today

1. Mining Enterprise 1 (ME1) for involvement in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar, by being affiliated to the Myanmar Security Forces (MSF) and making available funds or other economic resources to the MSF.
2. Mining Enterprise 2 (ME2) for involvement in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar, by being affiliated to the Myanmar Security Forces and by making available funds or other economic resources to the MSF.
3. Light Infantry Division 77 (LID 77) for involvement in serious human rights violations in Myanmar. Namely the crackdown on protestors involving excessive lethal force and killing, and internet shutdowns during protests in Bago.
4. Light Infantry Division 101 (LID 101) for involvement in serious human rights violations in Myanmar. This includes arbitrary arrests, detention or enforced disappearance; torture or cruel treatment against people for their political opinion, religious belief or ethnicity; and forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

Thank you President and I join others in thanking Under-Secretary Griffiths for his powerful briefing.

On the 7th of October, Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas. The UK wants to see the hostages taken on that day released as soon as possible.  And an end to the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible. The humanitarian situation is desperate. We are calling for an immediate suspension of fighting in order to get vital aid in and hostages out, that progresses towards a permanent, sustainable ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting, and loss of life.

We continue to work intensively with the UN and all partners on practical solutions to get more aid into Gaza. During his visit to the region last week, my Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, again pressed Israel to allow unhindered humanitarian access. We are supporting the World Food Programme to deliver a humanitarian land corridor from Jordan into Gaza. And the UK has trebled our humanitarian aid commitment to the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year.

The UK continues to engage closely with Israel on the conduct of their military campaign, including on IHL, and to call for Israel to take greater care to avoid harming civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The UK respects the role and independence of the ICJ. We welcome the ICJ’s call for the immediate release of hostages and the need to get more aid into Gaza, as well as the Court’s reminder that all parties to the conflict are bound by international humanitarian law. It is for the Court, not countries, to determine genocide.

Nevertheless, we were troubled by the way in which this action was taken, and we’ve made our views about this very clear. As Lord Cameron said in the Middle East last week, echoed in the Minister of State Lord Ahmad’s intervention at the Security Council also last week, we believe the five following steps are vital.

First,  a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution. Second, the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package. Third, removing Hamas’ capacity to launch attacks against Israel. Fourth, the release of all Israeli hostages, and finally, Hamas no longer in charge of Gaza.

As my Foreign Secretary has said, it is only when the prize of peace is more attractive than the potential benefit of continued conflict that we will have the chance of a better future for Israelis and Palestinians.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

Ninth UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC) high level bilateral meeting communique issued in Accra.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

Europe Minister Leo Docherty visits Poland to meet British troops stationed as part of NATO’s multinational battlegroup.

• Europe Minister Leo Docherty is in Poland, meeting British troops stationed as part of NATO’s multinational battlegroup
• Trip will reiterate support for Ukraine, highlighting the leading role Poland has played in the face of Russian aggression
• The visit comes as NATO celebrates 75 years since its formation, and Poland marks 25 years as an Ally

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty is in Poland to demonstrate the UK’s continued support for the security of Europe’s Eastern Flank today (31 January) – where he will meet British troops stationed with NATO.

Troops and personnel from NATO Allies serve, train and exercise together in eight battlegroups in the east of the Alliance. In Poland, the UK contributes to the battlegroup led by the United States, working together with fellow Allies Croatia and Romania.

The Minister will visit the squadron stationed in the Bemowo Piskie base in Orzysz including 150 British troops, who are working with Polish Armed Forces to exchange best practice, strengthen ties and defend Polish airspace.

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty said:

Poland is on the front line of the European effort to support Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion.

From our steadfast alliance during the World Wars, to our close partnership in NATO – we are historic friends.

Meeting UK troops stationed here underlines our work to defend the security of Europe’s Eastern Flank.

The presence of these battlegroups forms part of the biggest reinforcement of NATO’s collective defence in a generation, illustrating that 75 years after the Alliance’s formation, it is ready to face the challenges of the next 75.

In Warsaw, the Minister will meet Deputy Foreign Minister Marek Prawda, where they will discuss shared defence commitments, co-operation on illegal migration and border security, as well as welcoming Poland’s recent endorsement of the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine, launched at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius.

Since Russia’s invasion, the UK and Poland have both committed significant military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, including £12 billion in UK assistance. Poland is also hosting around 1 million Ukrainians – more than any other country.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, has succeeded in uniting democratic nations in defence of the principles of the United Nations Charter.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

The UK-African Investment Summit, which was due to take place in April 2024, is postponed to a later date.

The UK-African Investment Summit (UK-AIS) due to take place in April 2024 will now be postponed to a later date. New summit dates will be announced in due course.

The UK government is committed to building on the success of the 2020 UK-Africa Investment Summit, which laid the foundations for new partnerships between the UK and African nations based on trade, investment, shared values and mutual interest. This includes by ensuring attendance from governments across the continent, as well as British and African businesses eager to harness the benefits of our trading relationship.

The next UK-AIS will help to realise the UK’s ambition to be the investment partner of choice for Africa, create thousands of jobs and ensure the mutual prosperity of all our nations.

Forming part of the UK’s sustained offer to African countries, the summit aims to:

• strengthen UK-African partnerships to create jobs and growth
• support British and African talent in sectors such as finance and technology
• promote female entrepreneurs

Ahead of the summit, the UK is working to enhance trade and investment links with African countries through:

• supporting the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers the prospect of growth through improved intra-African trade and investment opportunities
• the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which entered into force in June 2023 and has increased UK market access for 37 African countries
• supporting British International Investment (BII), which has more than half of its portfolio in Africa, where it committed nearly £700 million of investment in 2022

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty met Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou in London to review progress on the Strategic Bilateral Framework.

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty reinforced the importance of deepening cooperation between the UK and Greece as he hosted Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou in London today (30 January).

Since signing the Bilateral Framework agreement in 2021, the UK-Greece relationship has gone from strength to strength: trade between the two countries has grown to £10.7 billion, our armed forces work closer together than ever before, and we have secured nine higher education agreements in the last year alone for our mutual benefit.

The Ministers agreed to build on these growing ties even further in the year ahead focusing on ongoing work to tackle shared challenges including disrupting organised migration routes, security cooperation, and our joint efforts to reach a peaceful resolution in the Middle East and war in Ukraine.

Minister for Europe Leo Docherty said:

The UK-Greece relationship is hugely important, from our ongoing work to promote security and stability as NATO allies, to our deep people-to-people links.

Welcoming Deputy Foreign Minister Papadopoulou in London, we agreed to drive cooperation on shared challenges facing our two countries, from tackling illegal migration to enhancing European security and our joint efforts to reach a lasting peace in the Middle East and continuing support to Ukraine

The Minister for Europe also extended his thanks to the Greek authorities and people for their crucial role in getting British Nationals to safety during the wildfires in Greece last summer.

Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary David Cameron spoke with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis where they discussed the situation in the Red Sea.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

The foreign ministers of 8 countries and the European Union High Representative gave a statement marking 3 years since the military coup in Myanmar.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 31 January 2024.

The Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron spoke to Executive Vice President Šefčovič on 31 January 2024.

Executive Vice-President Šefčovič and the Foreign Secretary spoke today (31 January). It followed a call between the Executive Vice-President and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris.

The Executive Vice-President and the Foreign Secretary both agreed on the high importance of seeing the Northern Ireland Executive restored and delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.

The Foreign Secretary ​explained the package of measures being set out in Parliament today, as the next step in the process to see the Northern Ireland institutions restored. The Executive Vice-President noted that the Commission will analyse carefully the texts published today.

They discussed ​the proposed joint UK-EU solution on Tariff Rate Quotas​, published ​the previous day, ​which would be considered at the next meeting of the UK-EU Joint Committee after completion of relevant procedures ​on both sides. This would deliver benefits for Northern Ireland importers and was another demonstration of the positive outcomes constructive joint working could achieve.

This reflected their shared commitment to the full implementation of the Windsor Framework.

The Commission will continue to exchange with the UK through the channels set up by that Framework.

The Executive Vice-President and Foreign Secretary noted ongoing work on the other areas of cooperation including on support for Ukraine and agreed to stay in touch​.