KINGSTON, Jamaica—British High Commissioner to Jamaica Alicia Herbert is welcoming the introduction of a new free and streamlined United Kingdom visa application process for litigants and legal teams appearing before the UK’s Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) in London.

The high commissioner’s comments follow the announcement of the new arrangement, which has received significant attention in Jamaica and has been welcomed as a positive development for Jamaicans whose matters come before the Privy Council.

“I warmly welcome the announcement of a free, streamlined process for visa applications for litigants and legal teams appearing before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. It is a positive step and responds to longstanding concerns raised by Jamaicans. I look forward to working with all relevant stakeholders to support its smooth implementation. This further reflects our shared commitment to supporting meaningful access to justice,” Herbert said.

According to the British High Commission, under the new process, once a JCPC hearing date has been confirmed, counsel will use the Court’s case management portal to identify those attending the hearing in person and indicate which participants require a visa.

It said the JCPC will confirm an applicant’s connection to the case and provide an invitation letter and further guidance on the visa application process. Visa applications will continue to undergo the usual checks, and the UK Home Office may request additional information in some circumstances.

It further noted that the new arrangement comes amid long-standing discussions between Jamaica and the UK around the ability of litigants and their legal representatives to travel to the United Kingdom to participate in Privy Council proceedings