I think the real problem is that we are a highly vulnerable group when contemplating such matters as possible inappropriate behaviour from Immigration Case Officers discussing the validity of our various relationships.
After all, we are terrified that if we upset them in any way, we can get rejected or put back to the bottom of the pile.
I know in Aus we have a clearly defined appeals mechanism to challenge their findings, and this would include such "sexual, forbidden lines of questioning"
Trouble is, the appeals process takes Centuries and again we would tend to keep shtum and let the due proces happen so that we can be together with our wife/fiance.
We are not concerned with Civil Liberies, Public Sector Standards or Illegal questions, but I dont have any serious doubts that if we could prove such stuff, then we would win hands down....but probably take years to go through the various Boards, Commissions and whatever. So the safe option is choke on it and let due process happen.
This of course is wrong, but until somebody makes a stand, they will feel free to keep getting away with it....and most people are too scared to make this stand...(me included !!)
I have some evidence that there is a level of illegal questions being used by Aus Immigration (maybe at the whim of specific Case Officers....certainly not Official Policy)...but the 2 couples in question were dead set on leaving it alone, they did not want to take the risk of upsetting the bas***ds.
As usual, we are the ones that get screwed, we have very little recourse against such behaviour. If, for instance, your wife/fiance took a tape recorder to her interview with a view to obtaining a full record of all questions, how far would the application go
...straight into the bin at worst, or down to the absolute bottom of the pile at best.
I dont have any sensible solution for this potential problem...sorry
To specifically answer your question Willy....there is a written Charter forbidding them to ask questions of a specific sexual nature. There is a Law of the Land ref. Civil Liberties and Freedom of Information that overrides the Immigration Department. We NEVER get a written transcript of interview....this may be provided at an appeal process, so somehwere, they take notes, but how accurate and complete is not known, and without a written record on the day given to all parties, how can they ever get caught !!
