My UK Resident Visa is due for Renewal in 3 Months time. However I travel very often on business outside the UK.

I've read that the waiting times for the renewal of my category of resident permit is 4 months. There is no way I can allow my passport to be taken hostage by the Home Office for 4 months. I have to travel to work.

Is there any special procedure with the Home Office for such cases. I know in the Netherlands you can easily get a Return Visa in your Passport to enable you enter back into the country from abroad whilst your Official Resident Permit is being processed.

Hve anyone being in such a dilemma and if so how was it resolved with the UK authorities.

Thanks for any information volunteered.