NewzKINGSTON, Jamaica — Commonwealth citizens travelling to London to attend Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) proceedings can now access a free, streamlined visa application process. The initiative, developed by the JCPC in collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK) Home Office and Ministry of Justice, is available to appellants, respondents and members of their legal teams who are attending appeals in person. The process does not extend to wider family members, the JCPC said in a statement on Thursday.
Once a hearing date has been confirmed, counsel must use the JCPC portal to indicate who will attend the hearing in person and whether they require a visa. The JCPC will then verify the applicant’s connection to the case before issuing an invitation letter and providing further guidance on the visa application process. Visa applications will continue to undergo the UK’s usual database checks, and the Home Office may request additional information in some cases, the JCPC said.
JCPC Registrar Laura Angus said the new process reflects the committee’s commitment to open justice, transparency and continuous improvement. “The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is very pleased to be able to confirm the UK Government's offer of this service to parties attending appeals in London. We listen to our users' feedback and this decision underlines the JCPC’s commitment to open justice, transparency and continual improvement.
We also routinely offer hybrid hearings for parties who prefer to take part in appeal hearings virtually,” Angus said.
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