The government is to set up a web based self-assessment portal along with biometric residence permits as part of proposals to overhaul the UK's immigration service.
The proposals, issued on 19 July 2005, involve wideranging changes to the management of the UK's work permit system. Immigration minister Tom McNulty unveiled the plan for a five tier points based migration system which would rely upon improved data handling, biometric technology and an online interface.
Prospective migrants would submit an initial self-assessment online, answering simple questions such as:" What is your purpose in coming to the UK?" "How long do you plan to stay?" and "What qualifications do you have?"
A full application would then be attempted if successful at this initial stage. The aim is to establish a one stop interface on the web, according to the consultation. It would route people to the correct part of the immigration system.
As part of efforts to establish a fully integrated immigration control system, the government would also introduce tighter checks relying on biometric technology.
Biometrics would be introduced at various stages. People applying for visas would have to submit biometrics, those successfully taking up residence would be issued with a biometric residence permit and electronic embarkation checks would be introduced. The system would also allow employers to carry out checks periodically after recruitment.
Announcing a 16 week consultation on the proposals, McNulty said: "This country needs migration - tourists, students and migrant workers make a vital contribution to the UK economy. We need to ensure, however, that while we let in migrants with the skills and talents to benefit Britain, we stop those who are trying to abuse our hospitality and place a burden on our society. We will ensure that the new system is underpinned by measures to ensure that we only admit those who meet our criteria, that people stick to the terms of their leave to enter while they are here and leave when they are supposed to.
"Our proposals include measures to keep the system robust against abuse, which would mean that those who benefit from migration - employers, educational institutions and migrants themselves - must play a part in helping to ensure that the system is not abused. The government will also continue to exercise robust powers to exclude or to remove from the UK any people who threaten the public good including national security."
Quelle: KableNET, 20.07.2005
