Leading Trade Unionist Denied Visa to Visit

Bulletin 2: March 96

Shahida Jabeen, the international secretary of the Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign, has disgracefully been denied a visa to visit Britain to speak at meetings called by  the campaign together with other meetings called by Labour, trade union and Pakistani organisations throughout the country.

This is clearly yet another case of the British government’s racist policy towards those who would wish to enter this country for whatever reasons.

The High Commission, in assessing Shahida’s case,  asked for evidence that Shahida’s visit was for bona fide reasons but although this was fully provided  (including a letter of support from Tony Benn MP) it was not enough to get a visa. In addition, they also asked for bank statements and tax documents—clearly intended as a way of separating rich from poor (poor people such as Shahida usually do not have bank accounts or  earn enough to pay tax in Pakistan). The High Commission have no reason to reject this visa on the basis that Shahida’s visit will be “abused”.

Denying her entry, despite her status and the fact that she was given a visa to visit this country 8 years ago without any problems, can only be viewed as both a racist and political act of discrimination.