UK suspends ETA visas for Jordanians over ‘violations’

The British Embassy in Amman has notified the Foreign Ministry that it is suspending the electronic visa system (ETA) that took effect in February to facilitate granting Jordanians visas electronically. Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah said the British Home Secretary explained in a letter to the Foreign Ministry that suspending ETA as of Tuesday is due to "continued violations" by Jordanian visitors to the UK, according to a statement. Qudah added that the British authorities suspended the ETA over "continued misuse" despite efforts by Jordanian Embassy officials in London to explore solutions with British authorities to the violations of Jordanian travellers of British residency and immigration laws. Qudah said the British decision is subject to amendment in the future and discussions are ongoing with the British to re-enact the ETA under conditions that would address violations. He said the Ministry formed an ad hoc group to improve the classification of the Jordanian passport globally, as its efforts were crowned with success by raising the classification of the Jordanian passport ten degrees according to the Henley and Partner classification from 2017 to 2024. Qudah added that the Ministry will continue its efforts to achieve further progress within the global classifications of the Jordanian passport. Source: Jordan News Agency