Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am passing it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have a bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
I will be sure to take this up when we are putting together instructions this Spring. UK Immigation has agreed to put together a "how to apply" guide for our event. I will be sure this issue get put to them.
Ellie
WMF Conference Coordinator
On Jan 12, 2014, at 2:08 PM, Muhammad Yahia shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am passing it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have a bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
On Sun, Jan 12, 2014 at 5:31 PM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote:
I will be sure to take this up when we are putting together instructions this Spring. UK Immigation has agreed to put together a "how to apply" guide for our event. I will be sure this issue get put to them.
I wouldn't wait until spring to bring this up with UK immigration.
It's not too soon to start now. The process for folks in Iran can take quite a while (if similar to the process for Wikimania 2012 in the US) but I think can be successful.
People in Iran will need to travel (at least once) to a UK consulate in Turkey or UAE to apply.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/iran/applying/?langname=UK%20Eng...
Cheers, Katie
Ellie
WMF Conference Coordinator
On Jan 12, 2014, at 2:08 PM, Muhammad Yahia shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am passing
it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have a
bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or
trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
I have already brought this up with them and waiting to hear back (first response didn't sound like there was much we can do frankly...) My comment about the spring is that is when we will have a guide for our attendees who need visas. They said it would be ready in the next couple of months. We won't be notifying people about their scholarships until April.
And while we are on this subject, I want to reiterate that we expect individuals to cover their own visa expenses as well as contacting the British Consulate on their own or through a visa service in their home country. The UK accepts applications for visas 90 days prior to the expected date of entering the UK (applying before doesn't do any good.)
Ellie
On Jan 12, 2014, at 3:42 PM, aude aude.wiki@gmail.com wrote:
On Sun, Jan 12, 2014 at 5:31 PM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote: I will be sure to take this up when we are putting together instructions this Spring. UK Immigation has agreed to put together a "how to apply" guide for our event. I will be sure this issue get put to them.
I wouldn't wait until spring to bring this up with UK immigration.
It's not too soon to start now. The process for folks in Iran can take quite a while (if similar to the process for Wikimania 2012 in the US) but I think can be successful.
People in Iran will need to travel (at least once) to a UK consulate in Turkey or UAE to apply.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/iran/applying/?langname=UK%20Eng...
Cheers, Katie
Ellie
WMF Conference Coordinator
On Jan 12, 2014, at 2:08 PM, Muhammad Yahia shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am passing it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have a bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
-- @wikimediadc / @wikidata _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
If this is similar to US visa process, I would think an invitation from WM UK would be enough to waive those requirements, that of course has to be arranged with the British government.
On Sun, Jan 12, 2014 at 5:13 PM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote:
I have already brought this up with them and waiting to hear back (first response didn't sound like there was much we can do frankly...) My comment about the spring is that is when we will have a guide for our attendees who need visas. They said it would be ready in the next couple of months. We won't be notifying people about their scholarships until April.
And while we are on this subject, I want to reiterate that we expect individuals to cover their own visa expenses as well as contacting the British Consulate on their own or through a visa service in their home country. The UK accepts applications for visas 90 days prior to the expected date of entering the UK (applying before doesn't do any good.)
Ellie
On Jan 12, 2014, at 3:42 PM, aude aude.wiki@gmail.com wrote:
On Sun, Jan 12, 2014 at 5:31 PM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote:
I will be sure to take this up when we are putting together instructions this Spring. UK Immigation has agreed to put together a "how to apply" guide for our event. I will be sure this issue get put to them.
I wouldn't wait until spring to bring this up with UK immigration.
It's not too soon to start now. The process for folks in Iran can take quite a while (if similar to the process for Wikimania 2012 in the US) but I think can be successful.
People in Iran will need to travel (at least once) to a UK consulate in Turkey or UAE to apply.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/iran/applying/?langname=UK%20Eng...
Cheers, Katie
Ellie
WMF Conference Coordinator
On Jan 12, 2014, at 2:08 PM, Muhammad Yahia shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am
passing it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have
a bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or
trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
-- @wikimediadc / @wikidata _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Do the invitation letter really change a thing? I will be surprised to see a consular waive all those requirements because of a 1-paged white paper with black in on, signed by an organization called Wikimedia UK.
For instance, in Ghana, consulate don't care who or what is inviting you, nor even take delight in reading the letter.
If the requirements say get a certain amount and or fulfil certain requirements, please get that with you.
Consular even reject visa from applicants invited by United Nations, so I'm still wondering how much impact a letter can do.
Get your documents right. Its not easy, but it'll save you from disappointments.
Rexford | Africa Center | wikiafrica.net | sent from Tab On Jan 13, 2014 3:31 AM, "Muhammad Yahia" shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
If this is similar to US visa process, I would think an invitation from WM UK would be enough to waive those requirements, that of course has to be arranged with the British government.
On Sun, Jan 12, 2014 at 5:13 PM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote:
I have already brought this up with them and waiting to hear back (first response didn't sound like there was much we can do frankly...) My comment about the spring is that is when we will have a guide for our attendees who need visas. They said it would be ready in the next couple of months. We won't be notifying people about their scholarships until April.
And while we are on this subject, I want to reiterate that we expect individuals to cover their own visa expenses as well as contacting the British Consulate on their own or through a visa service in their home country. The UK accepts applications for visas 90 days prior to the expected date of entering the UK (applying before doesn't do any good.)
Ellie
On Jan 12, 2014, at 3:42 PM, aude aude.wiki@gmail.com wrote:
On Sun, Jan 12, 2014 at 5:31 PM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote:
I will be sure to take this up when we are putting together instructions this Spring. UK Immigation has agreed to put together a "how to apply" guide for our event. I will be sure this issue get put to them.
I wouldn't wait until spring to bring this up with UK immigration.
It's not too soon to start now. The process for folks in Iran can take quite a while (if similar to the process for Wikimania 2012 in the US) but I think can be successful.
People in Iran will need to travel (at least once) to a UK consulate in Turkey or UAE to apply.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/iran/applying/?langname=UK%20Eng...
Cheers, Katie
Ellie
WMF Conference Coordinator
On Jan 12, 2014, at 2:08 PM, Muhammad Yahia shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am
passing it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have
a bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or
trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
-- @wikimediadc / @wikidata _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
-- Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
On 01/13/2014 02:13 AM, Ellie Young wrote:
And while we are on this subject, I want to reiterate that we expect individuals to cover their own visa expenses as well as contacting the British Consulate on their own or through a visa service in their home country. The UK accepts applications for visas 90 days prior to the expected date of entering the UK (applying before doesn't do any good.)
Incidentally, why do Wikimedia scholarships not cover or at least assist with the expenses of getting a visa? It seems that the people affected by this are (on average) the ones who need the support of a scholarship the most in order to be able to attend Wikimania. If the UK is discriminating against our contributors' nationalities, we might not be able to do much about it (although we definitely should try to). But at the very least we can help with the financial discrepancy.
-- Tobias
Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org
On Jan 19, 2014, at 8:49 AM, Tobias church.of.emacs.ml@googlemail.com wrote:
On 01/13/2014 02:13 AM, Ellie Young wrote:
And while we are on this subject, I want to reiterate that we expect individuals to cover their own visa expenses as well as contacting the British Consulate on their own or through a visa service in their home country. The UK accepts applications for visas 90 days prior to the expected date of entering the UK (applying before doesn't do any good.)
Incidentally, why do Wikimedia scholarships not cover or at least assist with the expenses of getting a visa?
We in fact do handle requests for financial assistance for VISA application fees on a case by case basis. We are still expecitng people to cover, but if circumstances are so dire financially we will assist.
It seems that the people affected by this are (on average) the ones who need the support of a scholarship the most in order to be able to attend Wikimania. If the UK is discriminating against our contributors' nationalities, we might not be able to do much about it (although we definitely should try to). But at the very least we can help with the financial discrepancy.
-- Tobias
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Well, besides the tangents this conversation went into, did anyone reach for the UK government to get their official position? Some people are waiting on that to decide whether or not to apply for scholarships...
On Sun, Jan 19, 2014 at 12:47 PM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote:
Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org
On Jan 19, 2014, at 8:49 AM, Tobias church.of.emacs.ml@googlemail.com wrote:
On 01/13/2014 02:13 AM, Ellie Young wrote:
And while we are on this subject, I want to reiterate that we expect individuals to cover their own visa expenses as well as contacting the British Consulate on their own or through a visa service in their home country. The UK accepts applications for visas 90 days prior to the expected date of entering the UK (applying before doesn't do any good.)
Incidentally, why do Wikimedia scholarships not cover or at least assist with the expenses of getting a visa?
We in fact do handle requests for financial assistance for VISA application fees on a case by case basis. We are still expecitng people to cover, but if circumstances are so dire financially we will assist.
It seems that the people affected by this are (on average) the ones who need the support of a scholarship the most in order to be able to attend Wikimania. If the UK is discriminating against our contributors' nationalities, we might not be able to do much about it (although we definitely should try to). But at the very least we can help with the financial discrepancy.
-- Tobias
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
On Jan 19, 2014, at 12:51 PM, Muhammad Yahia shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
Well, besides the tangents this conversation went into, did anyone reach for the UK government to get their official position?
Yes and I haven't heard back from them yet....
Some people are waiting on that to decide whether or not to apply for scholarships...
People should apply regardless...
On Sun, Jan 19, 2014 at 12:47 PM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote:
Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org
On Jan 19, 2014, at 8:49 AM, Tobias church.of.emacs.ml@googlemail.com wrote:
On 01/13/2014 02:13 AM, Ellie Young wrote:
And while we are on this subject, I want to reiterate that we expect individuals to cover their own visa expenses as well as contacting the British Consulate on their own or through a visa service in their home country. The UK accepts applications for visas 90 days prior to the expected date of entering the UK (applying before doesn't do any good.)
Incidentally, why do Wikimedia scholarships not cover or at least assist with the expenses of getting a visa?
We in fact do handle requests for financial assistance for VISA application fees on a case by case basis. We are still expecitng people to cover, but if circumstances are so dire financially we will assist.
It seems that the people affected by this are (on average) the ones who need the support of a scholarship the most in order to be able to attend Wikimania. If the UK is discriminating against our contributors' nationalities, we might not be able to do much about it (although we definitely should try to). But at the very least we can help with the financial discrepancy.
-- Tobias
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
-- Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
On Mon, Jan 13, 2014 at 9:13 AM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote:
I have already brought this up with them and waiting to hear back (first response didn't sound like there was much we can do frankly...) My comment about the spring is that is when we will have a guide for our attendees who need visas. They said it would be ready in the next couple of months. We won't be notifying people about their scholarships until April.
And while we are on this subject, I want to reiterate that we expect individuals to cover their own visa expenses as well as contacting the British Consulate on their own or through a visa service in their home country. The UK accepts applications for visas 90 days prior to the expected date of entering the UK (applying before doesn't do any good.)
I'm feeling this is somehow against our general principle to give people from all around the world an equal opportunity. We don't want to classify people as "no visa needed" "visa required with simple application process" or "visa required with requirements which are difficult to satisfy" for access to Wikimania, but British government does, and usually, people from a less developed country face a more strict visa policy. It would be better to fill this natural gap between applicants based on their country of origin first, and if our budget disallows, do something that is equal to all applicants.
-Liangent
Ellie
On Jan 12, 2014, at 3:42 PM, aude aude.wiki@gmail.com wrote:
On Sun, Jan 12, 2014 at 5:31 PM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote:
I will be sure to take this up when we are putting together instructions this Spring. UK Immigation has agreed to put together a "how to apply" guide for our event. I will be sure this issue get put to them.
I wouldn't wait until spring to bring this up with UK immigration.
It's not too soon to start now. The process for folks in Iran can take quite a while (if similar to the process for Wikimania 2012 in the US) but I think can be successful.
People in Iran will need to travel (at least once) to a UK consulate in Turkey or UAE to apply.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/iran/applying/?langname=UK%20Eng...
Cheers, Katie
Ellie
WMF Conference Coordinator
On Jan 12, 2014, at 2:08 PM, Muhammad Yahia shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am
passing it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have
a bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or
trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
-- @wikimediadc / @wikidata _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
The best thing we can do for people that are priced out of coming or who can't get a visa is to make sure that we get the videos uploaded within days, not months or years, of the event. They might not be able to come to the event, but at least with the videos they won't be out of the loop and shut out of the discussion that follows.
Sven On Feb 8, 2014 8:13 AM, "Liangent" liangent@gmail.com wrote:
On Mon, Jan 13, 2014 at 9:13 AM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote:
I have already brought this up with them and waiting to hear back (first response didn't sound like there was much we can do frankly...) My comment about the spring is that is when we will have a guide for our attendees who need visas. They said it would be ready in the next couple of months. We won't be notifying people about their scholarships until April.
And while we are on this subject, I want to reiterate that we expect individuals to cover their own visa expenses as well as contacting the British Consulate on their own or through a visa service in their home country. The UK accepts applications for visas 90 days prior to the expected date of entering the UK (applying before doesn't do any good.)
I'm feeling this is somehow against our general principle to give people from all around the world an equal opportunity. We don't want to classify people as "no visa needed" "visa required with simple application process" or "visa required with requirements which are difficult to satisfy" for access to Wikimania, but British government does, and usually, people from a less developed country face a more strict visa policy. It would be better to fill this natural gap between applicants based on their country of origin first, and if our budget disallows, do something that is equal to all applicants.
-Liangent
Ellie
On Jan 12, 2014, at 3:42 PM, aude aude.wiki@gmail.com wrote:
On Sun, Jan 12, 2014 at 5:31 PM, Ellie Young eyoung@wikimedia.org wrote:
I will be sure to take this up when we are putting together instructions this Spring. UK Immigation has agreed to put together a "how to apply" guide for our event. I will be sure this issue get put to them.
I wouldn't wait until spring to bring this up with UK immigration.
It's not too soon to start now. The process for folks in Iran can take quite a while (if similar to the process for Wikimania 2012 in the US) but I think can be successful.
People in Iran will need to travel (at least once) to a UK consulate in Turkey or UAE to apply.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/iran/applying/?langname=UK%20Eng...
Cheers, Katie
Ellie
WMF Conference Coordinator
On Jan 12, 2014, at 2:08 PM, Muhammad Yahia shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am
passing it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have
a bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or
trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
-- @wikimediadc / @wikidata _______________________________________________ Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Hi Muhammad,
I was just looking on the UK Border Agency website and could not see any mention of 10,000 USD requirements or property ownership. Do you have any further info?
(I appreciate that it will still be difficult for Iranians to get a visa even if that isn't the case...) On 12 Jan 2014 22:08, "Muhammad Yahia" shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am passing it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have a bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Hey Chris,
That was the information relayed to me, I will ask the person who asked the question for the source. It maybe be at the UAE/Turkey embassy website.
On Monday, January 13, 2014, Chris Keating wrote:
Hi Muhammad,
I was just looking on the UK Border Agency website and could not see any mention of 10,000 USD requirements or property ownership. Do you have any further info?
(I appreciate that it will still be difficult for Iranians to get a visa even if that isn't the case...) On 12 Jan 2014 22:08, "Muhammad Yahia" <shipmaster@gmail.com<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'shipmaster@gmail.com');>> wrote:
Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am passing it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have a bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia
Wikimania-l mailing list Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org <javascript:_e({}, 'cvml', 'Wikimania-l@lists.wikimedia.org');> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimania-l
Hi Chris,
I just got a reply:
Several people who applied for a visa from Iran last year got these 'verbal' requirements from the UAE/Turkey embassies. These are based on the information here
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/general/documen...
They were told that these requirements are designed to satisfy the following clause from the same website:
"The person who is 'sponsoring' your visit cannot give a guarantee that you will comply with the terms of your visa, or *that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit*.
They can help you with your application and provide you with the relevant supporting documents listed in our guidance, but you must provide these documents to us yourself."
On Mon, Jan 13, 2014 at 2:45 PM, Muhammad Yahia shipmaster@gmail.comwrote:
Hey Chris,
That was the information relayed to me, I will ask the person who asked the question for the source. It maybe be at the UAE/Turkey embassy website.
On Monday, January 13, 2014, Chris Keating wrote:
Hi Muhammad,
I was just looking on the UK Border Agency website and could not see any mention of 10,000 USD requirements or property ownership. Do you have any further info?
(I appreciate that it will still be difficult for Iranians to get a visa even if that isn't the case...) On 12 Jan 2014 22:08, "Muhammad Yahia" shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am passing it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have a bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia
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-- Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia
Hmmmm. As far as I can see from http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/general/require... the general requirement is to prove a number of things, which are listed below.
I am no expert but it seems to me that the "10,000 USD and a house in Iran" is a suggestion of proving that a) you have enough money to sustain you for the 6-month period of a tourist visa b) you have good reasons to return to Iran after Wikimania
I would hope that there are other ways to demonstrate these things - .e.g. suggest that with a letter of invitation it would be possible to argue that you only need the funds to live for the week of Wikimania.
Though sadly I can't guarantee that the UK Border Agency will be sensible.....
Chris
- you are 18 or over; - you intend to visit the UK for no more than 6 months (or 12 months if you will be accompanying an academic visitor); - you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit; - you have enough money to support and accommodate yourself without working or help from public funds, or you and any dependants will be supported and accommodated by relatives or friends; - you can meet the cost of the return or onward journey; and - you are *not* in transit to a country outside the 'Common Travel Area' (Ireland, the UK, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands).
You must also be able to show that, during your visit, you *do not* intend to:
- live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits; - take paid or unpaid employment, produce goods or provide services, including the selling of goods or services directly to members of the public; - do a course of study, as long as this study is not the main reason for your visit (see 'permitted study' below); - marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership; - carry out the activities of a business visitorhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/business/, a sports visitorhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/sports/ or an entertainer visitorhttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/entertainer/; or - receive private medical treatment.
On Tue, Jan 14, 2014 at 3:50 PM, Muhammad Yahia shipmaster@gmail.comwrote:
Hi Chris,
I just got a reply:
Several people who applied for a visa from Iran last year got these 'verbal' requirements from the UAE/Turkey embassies. These are based on the information here
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/visiting/general/documen...
They were told that these requirements are designed to satisfy the following clause from the same website:
"The person who is 'sponsoring' your visit cannot give a guarantee that you will comply with the terms of your visa, or *that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit*.
They can help you with your application and provide you with the relevant supporting documents listed in our guidance, but you must provide these documents to us yourself."
On Mon, Jan 13, 2014 at 2:45 PM, Muhammad Yahia shipmaster@gmail.comwrote:
Hey Chris,
That was the information relayed to me, I will ask the person who asked the question for the source. It maybe be at the UAE/Turkey embassy website.
On Monday, January 13, 2014, Chris Keating wrote:
Hi Muhammad,
I was just looking on the UK Border Agency website and could not see any mention of 10,000 USD requirements or property ownership. Do you have any further info?
(I appreciate that it will still be difficult for Iranians to get a visa even if that isn't the case...) On 12 Jan 2014 22:08, "Muhammad Yahia" shipmaster@gmail.com wrote:
Hi all,
I received this question about visas for Iranian citizens and am passing it along:
As it stands now, UK visa requirements for Iranian citizens is to have a bank account with (on average) 10000 USD or equivalent in the last six months, plus proof of ownership of a property in Iran, the documents have to be translated and notarized.
Most of the volunteers interested in getting scholarship for WM or trying to arrange travel on their own are mostly young people who do not satisfy either conditions, is there something that the UK team can do about that? can they get confirmation that if they apply these requirements will be waived or something similar?
Thanks!
Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia
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-- Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia
-- Best Regards, Muhammad Yahia
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Muhammad Yahia, 14/01/2014 16:50:
"The person who is 'sponsoring' your visit cannot give a guarantee that you will comply with the terms of your visa, or*that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit*.
Then it's easy, we ensure they have a return ticket and we promise block on all Wikimedia projects if they don't leave UK. It's like capital sentence, who wouldn't comply?
Nemo
On Jan 18, 2014 10:24 PM, "Federico Leva (Nemo)" nemowiki@gmail.com wrote:
Muhammad Yahia, 14/01/2014 16:50:
"The person who is 'sponsoring' your visit cannot give a guarantee that you will comply with the terms of your visa, or*that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit*.
Then it's easy, we ensure they have a return ticket and we promise block
on all Wikimedia projects if they don't leave UK. It's like capital sentence, who wouldn't comply?
It's enough for me but I don't think that promise convices people in embassy.
Nemo
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It's also not at all a valid blocking reason, and shouldn't be one.
Sven On Jan 18, 2014 2:26 PM, "Amir Ladsgroup" ladsgroup@gmail.com wrote:
On Jan 18, 2014 10:24 PM, "Federico Leva (Nemo)" nemowiki@gmail.com wrote:
Muhammad Yahia, 14/01/2014 16:50:
"The person who is 'sponsoring' your visit cannot give a guarantee that you will comply with the terms of your visa, or*that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit*.
Then it's easy, we ensure they have a return ticket and we promise block
on all Wikimedia projects if they don't leave UK. It's like capital sentence, who wouldn't comply?
It's enough for me but I don't think that promise convices people in embassy.
Nemo
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It is a valid blocking reason. It falls under the category of "cross-wiki abuse" in the clause "inappropriate use of user rights with access to private information". Wikimania is officially a Wikimedia project even though it's offline. ;)
Deryck
On 19 January 2014 03:29, Sven Manguard svenmanguard@gmail.com wrote:
It's also not at all a valid blocking reason, and shouldn't be one.
Sven On Jan 18, 2014 2:26 PM, "Amir Ladsgroup" ladsgroup@gmail.com wrote:
On Jan 18, 2014 10:24 PM, "Federico Leva (Nemo)" nemowiki@gmail.com wrote:
Muhammad Yahia, 14/01/2014 16:50:
"The person who is 'sponsoring' your visit cannot give a guarantee that you will comply with the terms of your visa, or*that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit*.
Then it's easy, we ensure they have a return ticket and we promise
block on all Wikimedia projects if they don't leave UK. It's like capital sentence, who wouldn't comply?
It's enough for me but I don't think that promise convices people in embassy.
Nemo
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Yes Deryck, it is for Wikimedia to a great extent. But for the embassy, it won't make that much sense.
I'm just imagining now what I will lose if the wmf bans me from using their site indefinitely. Will I lose since I'm a volunteer?
A valid reason here should be a valid reason for both the embassy and the Wikimedia.
Rexford | Africa Center | wikiafrica.net | sent from Tab On Jan 19, 2014 5:15 AM, "Deryck Chan" deryckchan@gmail.com wrote:
It is a valid blocking reason. It falls under the category of "cross-wiki abuse" in the clause "inappropriate use of user rights with access to private information". Wikimania is officially a Wikimedia project even though it's offline. ;)
Deryck
On 19 January 2014 03:29, Sven Manguard svenmanguard@gmail.com wrote:
It's also not at all a valid blocking reason, and shouldn't be one.
Sven On Jan 18, 2014 2:26 PM, "Amir Ladsgroup" ladsgroup@gmail.com wrote:
On Jan 18, 2014 10:24 PM, "Federico Leva (Nemo)" nemowiki@gmail.com wrote:
Muhammad Yahia, 14/01/2014 16:50:
"The person who is 'sponsoring' your visit cannot give a guarantee
that
you will comply with the terms of your visa, or*that you will leave
the
UK at the end of your visit*.
Then it's easy, we ensure they have a return ticket and we promise
block on all Wikimedia projects if they don't leave UK. It's like capital sentence, who wouldn't comply?
It's enough for me but I don't think that promise convices people in embassy.
Nemo
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Erm...I disagree, and cannot imagine that such a blocking reason would be valid on very many projects. The only private information involved is the user's own private information, which the user can elect to disclose or not disclose (i.e., that the user was granted a visa for attendance at Wikimania).
It would certainly be inconsiderate, and would be a valid reason for putting the user on some form of "blacklist" for future requests for support to attend other Wikimedia-sponsored conferences.
Risker/Anne
On 18 January 2014 22:15, Deryck Chan deryckchan@gmail.com wrote:
It is a valid blocking reason. It falls under the category of "cross-wiki abuse" in the clause "inappropriate use of user rights with access to private information". Wikimania is officially a Wikimedia project even though it's offline. ;)
Deryck
On 19 January 2014 03:29, Sven Manguard svenmanguard@gmail.com wrote:
It's also not at all a valid blocking reason, and shouldn't be one.
Sven On Jan 18, 2014 2:26 PM, "Amir Ladsgroup" ladsgroup@gmail.com wrote:
On Jan 18, 2014 10:24 PM, "Federico Leva (Nemo)" nemowiki@gmail.com wrote:
Muhammad Yahia, 14/01/2014 16:50:
"The person who is 'sponsoring' your visit cannot give a guarantee
that
you will comply with the terms of your visa, or*that you will leave
the
UK at the end of your visit*.
Then it's easy, we ensure they have a return ticket and we promise
block on all Wikimedia projects if they don't leave UK. It's like capital sentence, who wouldn't comply?
It's enough for me but I don't think that promise convices people in embassy.
Nemo
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Hmm, does this discussion mean it was not an ironic comment, as I read it initially?
2014/1/19 Risker risker.wp@gmail.com
Erm...I disagree, and cannot imagine that such a blocking reason would be valid on very many projects. The only private information involved is the user's own private information, which the user can elect to disclose or not disclose (i.e., that the user was granted a visa for attendance at Wikimania).
It would certainly be inconsiderate, and would be a valid reason for putting the user on some form of "blacklist" for future requests for support to attend other Wikimedia-sponsored conferences.
Risker/Anne
On 18 January 2014 22:15, Deryck Chan deryckchan@gmail.com wrote:
It is a valid blocking reason. It falls under the category of "cross-wiki abuse" in the clause "inappropriate use of user rights with access to private information". Wikimania is officially a Wikimedia project even though it's offline. ;)
Deryck
On 19 January 2014 03:29, Sven Manguard svenmanguard@gmail.com wrote:
It's also not at all a valid blocking reason, and shouldn't be one.
Sven On Jan 18, 2014 2:26 PM, "Amir Ladsgroup" ladsgroup@gmail.com wrote:
On Jan 18, 2014 10:24 PM, "Federico Leva (Nemo)" nemowiki@gmail.com wrote:
Muhammad Yahia, 14/01/2014 16:50:
"The person who is 'sponsoring' your visit cannot give a guarantee
that
you will comply with the terms of your visa, or*that you will leave
the
UK at the end of your visit*.
Then it's easy, we ensure they have a return ticket and we promise
block on all Wikimedia projects if they don't leave UK. It's like capital sentence, who wouldn't comply?
It's enough for me but I don't think that promise convices people in embassy.
Nemo
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I think it was an ironic comment, but there's some truth to it, which was expounded in the subsequent posts.
On 19 January 2014 16:52, Lodewijk lodewijk@effeietsanders.org wrote:
Hmm, does this discussion mean it was not an ironic comment, as I read it initially?
2014/1/19 Risker risker.wp@gmail.com
Erm...I disagree, and cannot imagine that such a blocking reason would be valid on very many projects. The only private information involved is the user's own private information, which the user can elect to disclose or not disclose (i.e., that the user was granted a visa for attendance at Wikimania).
It would certainly be inconsiderate, and would be a valid reason for putting the user on some form of "blacklist" for future requests for support to attend other Wikimedia-sponsored conferences.
Risker/Anne
On 18 January 2014 22:15, Deryck Chan deryckchan@gmail.com wrote:
It is a valid blocking reason. It falls under the category of "cross-wiki abuse" in the clause "inappropriate use of user rights with access to private information". Wikimania is officially a Wikimedia project even though it's offline. ;)
Deryck
On 19 January 2014 03:29, Sven Manguard svenmanguard@gmail.com wrote:
It's also not at all a valid blocking reason, and shouldn't be one.
Sven On Jan 18, 2014 2:26 PM, "Amir Ladsgroup" ladsgroup@gmail.com wrote:
On Jan 18, 2014 10:24 PM, "Federico Leva (Nemo)" nemowiki@gmail.com wrote:
Muhammad Yahia, 14/01/2014 16:50: > > "The person who is 'sponsoring' your visit cannot give a guarantee
that
> you will comply with the terms of your visa, or*that you will leave
the
> UK at the end of your visit*.
Then it's easy, we ensure they have a return ticket and we promise
block on all Wikimedia projects if they don't leave UK. It's like capital sentence, who wouldn't comply?
It's enough for me but I don't think that promise convices people in embassy.
Nemo
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