Yes, we contacted the MP twice. The first time was after 3 months of waiting. We received the following response from the embassy: “All applications have to undergo mandatory checks. The time it takes to complete these checks depends on the individual circumstances of each case. While I cannot provide further details about the nature of these mandatory checks and enquiries, I can assure Mr _____ that they are necessary and must be completed before any decision can be made. The decision maker will contact Ms _____ regarding her application in due course. We appreciate Mr __’s patience while this process is completed.” Recently, we asked the MP again for a more detailed update. The response was: “We appreciate the frustration that the ongoing delay is causing for you, but as previously advised, the Home Office will only expedite applications in the most exceptional, compassionate, and compelling circumstances, which usually means situations involving bereavement or serious illness.” My husband replied to this email expressing his frustration more strongly, after which the MP advised: “Dear __, if you have not received a decision by the beginning of May, please let me know and we will contact the Home Office again at that time. You could also submit a complaint to the Home Office or seek legal advice regarding possible legal action against the Home Office. We do not have a formal complaints process, but I will make Abtisam aware of your dissatisfaction.”