Well, got out of bed at 01:30 this morning and phoned DIMIA. First time I went through the options and nobody answered, second time got a message that all operators were busy, please phone back later. Third time spoke to somebody, but was told that I could only contact COs by email. I pointed out that I have been trying this now for the last fortnight with no luck and I'd also emailed the region 3 manager to no avail. The advice I got? "Try emailing again". Brilliant. Why didn't I think of that!
Anyway, as it happens, I got a reply from my CO today saying they had been out the office unexpectedly until today and that she notes I have also emailed the manager, so will discuss the issues with them tomorrow morning. (Not sure how to take that. Can't decide if I've upset them or not!) They also said that in response to my plea of "I'm completing on my house in 3 weeks and don't know if I need to book international or domestic removers" DIMIA always say NOT to sell your house or book flights etc until you receive an answer from the office. Not going to counter argue with that, but I did email them both in June stating the fact that I would be reaching the point of no return (exchange) in June so please could they give me a hint as to whether it is safe to proceed. I was just told "The bond request is on its way", which I took as an "ok, go ahead" kind of reply.
Anyway, all in all some good has come out of it in that I should at least hear something (either way - gulp) soon (not sure about the tomorrow story, but I hope so).
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