HOME OFFICE News
Release (101/2007) issued by The Government News Network on 6 June 2007
Home Office
Minister Liam Byrne, today launched proposals to simplify complex
immigration and citizenship laws, delivering the commitment made
by the Home Secretary last year.
The consultation; Simplifying immigration and citizenship law,
aims to draw together views on how to radically simplify the
Border and Immigration Agency's (BIA) legal framework.
Immigration Minister, Liam Byrne, said:
"We made a commitment in July 2006 to strengthen and simply
our immigration and citizenship laws to speed up decisions,
increase removals of those who have no right to stay here and give
our frontline staff the right powers to do their job. Today's
announcement is the next step in delivering that promise.
"Our plan is to radically simplifying laws that date back to
the early 1970's. I want a clear and simple legal system for
fast but fair decisions. "The British public and newcomers
alike want to be clear about the rules and responsibilities that
go with it, and all of us want those who have no right to be here
to be clear of the consequences."
Reform of the immigration system, has already seen significant
progress during the past year with greater joint work with police
and benefits agencies to tackle illegal immigration and its
consequences, the introduction of new technology at the border, a
timetable for the introduction of an Australian style points based
system for managing migration and the publication of proposals for
biometric ID for non-EEA foreign nationals living in Britain.
Simplifying the Border and Immigration Agency's legal
framework, including primary legislation and rules and guidance,
will create a user friendly and clearer decision making process.
It will help increase the number of removals of those who have no
legal right to stay here and decrease the likelihood of legal
challenges following refusals of asylum claims. It would also
provide a new clear decision making system that potential asylum
applicants can use to access the strength of their case before
submitting it, helping BIA to work more efficiently.
Notes to editors
1. Today's consultation document can be found at: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/lawandpolicy/consultationdocuments/currentconsultations
2. The consultation launched today will end on the 29 August
2007. Subject to Parliamentary timetable, the planned new primary
legislation would be introduced in 2008.
3. The document 'Fair, effective, transparent and trusted.
Rebuilding confidence in our immigration system' can be found
at: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/6353/aboutus/indrev.pdf
4. Other recent documents include:
* The publication of a cross-government enforcement strategy: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/6353/aboutus/enforcementstrategy.pdf
* The borders and visa strategy: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/6353/aboutus/securingtheukborderfinal.pdf