Foreign nationals and visa applications: Failure to reply on the part of UDI

Ali is upset because his brother in Pakistan is unable to visit him. His visa application was refused by the Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad. Ali has appealed the decision, but has heard nothing from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). In an e-mail to the Ombudsman he asks the Ombudsman to overturn the decision and to censure the Directorate for its slow handling of the case.

The Ombudsman informs Ali that he or his brother must first contact the Embassy or the Directorate of Immigration and inquire about the progress of the case. This is normally a prerequisite for the Ombudsman to investigate the case. This means that the Ombudsman is unable to examine the case in further detail at this time.

If he and his brother do not receive information on the progress of the complaint, Ali can send a further letter to the Ombudsman complaining about the slow progress of the application or the absence of a reply. Complaints of this type have to be signed and must accordingly be sent by ordinary post. Ali must also attach a written power of attorney from his brother in Pakistan. Additional information on the case must also be provided, including the date on which the application was refused, the Embassy’s reference/case number and the date of the letter of complaint and the reminder(s). If possible he should also attach copies of the letter rejecting the application and of the reminder(s).

Ali can find further information on what the Ombudsman can do to help him on the Ombudsman’s website in the questions and answers section. One of the things that he will discover is that the Ombudsman does not have the power to overturn the decision of the Immigration Authorities. What the Ombudsman can do, however, is to give an opinion after investigating a case that has been decided with final effect by the administration.