Application to pay Class 3 from abroad - still not actioned

Hello everyone, I filled in a Class 3 form as advised by my Financial Advisor in July 2023 to make contribution while working in the UAE. I sent the form through to the postal address as advised by 16th July. After three weeks had past without any reply, I raised a complaint on the gov.uk website in order to find out why the delay (August - Ref: TBF-GDIZ-S1K). It is now November, still no resolution and I am unaware of why. Can someone please tell me why it has taken so long to process? Thank you 

Name removed admin . 

Hi Nitesh,
Thank you for your enquiry.  The current timescale for the department who will process your application to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions whilst abroad, is 43 weeks. The department is currently working on applications received on 14/01/2023. Please accept our apologies for the delay.
Thank you.