Freedom of information ( FOI) vs Subject Access Request (SAR)

[peace23]

Hi all,


I requested FOI about my citizenship application and I have completed the form and they sent me this:

"As your request is seeking personal records it will be processed as a Subject Access Request (SAR) under relevant GDPR legislation and not under Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation. "

I mentioned in my request that I'm requesting my personal records and all actions taken on my application since submission, so not sure why they have considered it SAR request not a FOI.

Does that mean they won't send me documents and notes relating to my application ?

[nisi]

That's correct. FOI requests are for general information from the government, for example how many applications are pending, or how long the average wait time is, how much money is being spent on running the naturalisation process, etc. You can't ask for anyone's personal information under the FOI, even your own.

Subject Access Requests allow someone to ask what data is held about them/their application

[peace23]

Thanks for your reply. it makes sense