Some time ago, the UK Border Agency decided to grant ‘indefinite leave to remain’ to failed asylum seekers who had lived in the UK for a long period of time (preferably, more than 10 years).

I write to highlight the tragic situation that has arisen with regard to the granting of visas to people who qualify under this category.

In many cases, the agency wrote to the applicants, or to their solicitors, to inform them of their intention of granting a visa. These people were asked to complete a form and send photographs.

In some cases, this request from the agency came two or more years ago and in others more than a year ago – but in a large number of cases these applicants have not been granted visas.

The tragedy is that these applicants have never been allowed to work in the UK or avail themselves of health, housing or other services. Some of them are living with their spouse and children.

In some cases, they have been living either by borrowing money or by working illegally.

Those who are seriously ill are often unable to visit a GP and seek medical treatment because, under the existing law, GPs are not allowed to register people who do not have settlement status. Even children who are seriously ill are unable to seek medical attention.

What I cannot understand is why there is such a long delay following recognition that these people are entitled to be granted indefinite leave to remain. This breaches their fundamental rights.

C Selvarajah , Selvarajah & Co, London NW9