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Increased UK border patrols

January 2008 - Immigration. Legal Developments by Magrath & Co.

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Sweeping changes are set to take place within UK immigration. The Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, has announced that immigration, customs and visa checks will be united and performed by the new UK Border Agency. The new Agency is held out to be ‘tougher, smarter and more flexible’. By merging the work of Customs, the Border and Immigration Agency and UK Visas, the UK Border Agency is hoping to strengthen the UK’s security through tougher border control.

WHY?

In a statement on 14 November 2007 the Home Secretary said:

‘A unified border force means a stronger British border. All travellers to Britain will be screened against no-fly lists and intercept target lists and, together with biometric visas, this will help keep trouble away from our shores. As well as the tougher double check at the border, ID cards for foreign nationals will soon give us a triple check in country. Together this adds up to some of the most advanced security anywhere on the globe. These are the most sweeping changes to our border security for decades.’

HOW?

The announcement goes hand-in-hand with the introduction of ‘fingerscans’ as a requirement when applying for a UK visa. Biometric data taken as part of the visa application process will be checked against UK government records to identify if an individual is already known to the UK immigration authorities. Anyone who requires any visa for the UK and is aged over five will need to go through the fingerprinting process.

The UK’s new points-based system for migration to the UK, which is being introduced in early 2008, is promoted as simplifying immigration procedures as well as tightening security and immigration controls. All migrants to the UK will be required to demonstrate a minimum level of English language ability to gain a visa. It is clear to see that the UK is aiming to attract only the highest-skilled migrants to its shores.

By Kate Chisholm, solicitor, Magrath & Co.

E-mail: kate.chisholm@magrath.co.uk.

Telephone: 020 7495 3003.

For more information please visit www.magrath.co.uk.

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