Passport returned by UKBA after 1 week

[akata]

Hi guys, I was wondering if anyone knows what this means: Earlier this year (June 2012), I successfully applied for a Tier 2 visa, it was granted within 5 weeks (July 2012). However, before i could start the job for which I was sponsored in September 2012, I got a better job offer, so I re-applied for a new Tier 2 visa with a new COS from my new sponsor. After about a week of submitting my documents for the latest application, the UKBA sent back just my passport with a simple letter that reads thus:

"To whom it may concern
Thank you for your application. Please find enclosed your passport, which is being returned to you. Please be advised that you should not travel outside of the UK whilst you have an outstanding application with the UKBA. If you do travel and your leave expires whilst you are outside of the UK you may not be readmitted on your previous conditions.
We will contact you to confirm the outcome of your application in due course.
Kind regards,
UKBA"

I was expecting the biometrics information letter which came the first time I applied within just a week, so I'm quite surprised and perplexed to receive my passport back, which by the way I didn't ask for to be returned at this time.

I'd appreciate it if anyone could weigh in please.

Thank you.

[Lucapooka]

Sounds like a new procedural measure. It seems sensible that given there is no longer a need to paste a residence permit inside a passport (this has been replaced by the issue of a BRP) that passports should be returned to applicants while they await the outcome of a decision. This is especially relevant to those whose leave is not about to expire any time soon.