THE Church of Scotland has condemned Home Office red-tape that twice denied Visas for an invited delegation of Pakistani Christians because they are too poor.

The Kirk's Presbytery of Glasgow vouched for the two delegates from the Church of Pakistan invited as part of a twinning project between the two Christian communities.

The Home Office refused entry to the two clergy despite the Church of Scotland assuring the Government that it is paying for the visit.

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The government officer who rejected the application said it was feared the Christian visitors would jump their Visa and overstay in the UK as illegal immigrants.

The Herald:

The Presbytery is now to raise the issue at a higher level in the Home Office via Members of Parliament.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said it is unable to comment on individual cases.

The Church was astonished and disappointed to receive the stern and stark refusal not once but twice.

The red-tape officer dealing with the case wrote to the Church visitors "it is acknowledged that the Church of Scotland will bear the costs of your visit".

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But added: "In brief I am not satisfied the bank statement is an accurate reflection of your financial circumstances.

"Given the above, I am not satisfied you are genuinely seeking entry as a general visitor for a limited period as stated by you not exceeding six months.

"Unless financial circumstances change future applications are likely to be refused.

"The refusal is not subject to appeal or administrative review.”

The first stage of the twinning took place last year when Kirk members visited Pakistan.

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A spokesman for Glasgow Presbytery said: "We remain committed to creating a twinning link with the Diocese of Hyderabad, with whom we enjoyed tremendous hospitality when members of our Presbytery visited Pakistan last year.

"The Church of Scotland has spoken of its concern for Christians in Pakistan who, like other minority faith groups in that country, face growing threats in practicing their religion.

"We are deeply concerned at the refusal of the UK Government to grant visas to two of our invited partners, despite the Church of Scotland guaranteeing their travel arrangements as well as their accommodation and subsistence while they are here, the refusal seems grounded in their personal financial circumstances."

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He added: "The two individuals are very depressed and shocked at the way the applications have been handled.

"We have now rearranged the visit for a third time to take place next February, when we expect the two remaining members of the delegation who have dual nationality will finally be able to visit our city.

"We are now writing to the UK Government and local MPs to make our concerns known, and we are encouraging our members and anyone else who shares our concern to do the same."

The Church said the Government's stance "threatens to frustrate not only our twinning link but also other major international events - like the World Council of Churches General Assembly for which a bid is currently being considered - in the future if only those whose personal finances meet the criteria are likely to be granted visas.”

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The visit of the Pakistani delegation is being facilitated and paid for through the Church of Scotland’s World Mission Council Faithshare Visitors Programme.

Faithshare supports the cost of flights, visas and insurance for around 150 people travelling to and from the Church of Scotland’s partner churches every year.

In its present form, Faithshare has supported travellers from some of the poorest countries in the world and often from the poorest communities within these countries.

The aim of the Faithshare programme is to enable those who are most likely to benefit to be able to participate rather than imposing restrictions according to people’s financial means.

The travellers represent their churches and in every case those attending have met their visa conditions to return home.

A Home Office spokesman said: “It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they submit the required evidence to show they meet the financial requirements for the visa category they have applied for.

“Where this evidence is not provided, applications will be refused.”

The Home Office said that Immigration Rules state that an applicant wishing to enter the UK as a visitor needs to provide evidence that they are a genuine visitor and have a genuine intention to leave the UK at the end of their proposed visit.

The spokesman said they must also be able to maintain and accommodate themselves during their visit without working or having recourse to public funds.