AskVisas Ltd – Data Protection Policy

AskVisas Ltd – Data Protection Policy

Effective Date: 4 May 2025
Last Updated: 4 May 2025

At AskVisas Ltd, your privacy and the security of your personal information are extremely important to us. We are fully committed to protecting your data and complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This Data Protection Policy explains what personal data we collect, how we use it, how we keep it safe, and the rights you have.

1. Who We Are

AskVisas Ltd is a UK-registered company providing visa assistance services. Our goal is to support genuine applicants in obtaining UK visit visas through a transparent, empathetic, and professional process.

If you have any questions about this policy or how your data is handled, you can contact us at:
📧 info@ASKVisas.com
📞 +447564769494

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We only collect information that is necessary to help with your visa application. This may include:

  • Full name, date of birth, and nationality

  • Contact details (email, phone number, address)

  • Passport details and scanned documents

  • Employment, financial, and travel history

  • Family and relationship details

  • Any other information relevant to your visa application

3. How and Why We Use Your Data

We collect and use your personal data only when necessary, and only for specific purposes:

PurposeLegal BasisTo provide visa application servicesContract – to fulfil our service agreement with youTo communicate with you about your applicationLegitimate interest – to provide updates and supportTo comply with legal obligationsLegal obligation – such as recordkeepingTo improve our servicesLegitimate interest – anonymised data for internal analysisWith your consentWhere consent is required, e.g., marketing (opt-in only)

We never sell or rent your data to third parties.

4. How We Keep Your Data Safe

We take data security seriously and have implemented the following safeguards:

  • Encryption: All personal documents and communications are securely stored using encrypted systems.

  • Access Control: Only authorised staff (our family team) have access to client files.

  • Secure File Sharing: We use secure methods to receive and send sensitive documents—never unprotected messaging apps.

  • Device Protection: All devices are password-protected, use antivirus software, and are regularly updated.

5. How Long We Keep Your Data

We keep your data for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected:

  • Typically, we retain client data for up to 6 years after your case is closed, to comply with legal and financial obligations.

  • After this period, your data is securely deleted or anonymised.

If you request deletion sooner and we have no legal reason to retain it, we will honour your request.

6. Who We Share Your Data With

We may share your data with trusted third parties where necessary for service delivery, such as:

  • UK Government platforms (e.g. gov.uk visa portal)

  • Cloud storage providers (e.g. Google Drive)

  • Payment processors (e.g. Stripe)

All our third-party partners are GDPR-compliant and have signed appropriate Data Processing Agreements with us. Your data is never shared with anyone else without your explicit consent.

7. Your Data Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

  • Correction: Request that incorrect or incomplete data be updated.

  • Erasure: Ask for your data to be deleted (where legally possible).

  • Restriction: Ask us to limit how we use your data.

  • Objection: Object to the use of your data for certain purposes.

  • Data Portability: Ask to receive your data in a portable format.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided above.

8. Data Breaches

In the unlikely event of a data breach:

  • We will assess the situation immediately.

  • If necessary, we will notify the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) within 72 hours.

  • If your data is affected, we will inform you promptly and transparently.

9. Our Commitment to You

  • We only collect what we need.

  • We use your data lawfully, fairly and transparently.

  • We protect your data using secure systems and practices.

  • We respect your rights and will respond promptly to any concerns.

10. Complaints

If you are ever unhappy with how we handle your data, please contact us directly and we will do our best to resolve the issue.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):
📍 https://ico.org.uk/concerns
📞 0303 123 1113

11. Updates to This Policy

We may occasionally update this policy to reflect changes in law or how we operate. The latest version will always be available on our website, and we will notify you of any significant changes.