Issue.5.–.January.2011 UK BORDER AGENCY NEWS The ......Contents Introduction.....1 Agency.wide.news.....3 International.....5 Border.control.....7 Immigration Managed.migration.....10

ContentsIntroduction................................ 1

Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration

Managed.migration............... 10

Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19

Strategic.partner.groups............ 23

Regional.focus.......................... 25

UK Border Agency News Issue.5.–.January.2011

1SECURING OUR BORDER CONTROLLING.MIGRATION

UK BORDER AGENCY NEWS The bi-monthly update for partners

Welcome to the January edition of our bimonthly update, my first as acting chief executive while we recruit a successor to Lin Homer. Lin has taken up

the post of Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport and I am sure you will join me in wishing her well in her new role.

As.Lin’s.deputy.over.the.past.three.years,.my.main.focus.has.been.policy.but.I’ve.visited.many.parts.of.the.agency.and.worked.with.colleagues.in.all.parts.of.the.organisation..So.I.am.well.aware.of.the.challenges.we.face.and.the.intense.and.proper.interest.in.what.we.do.from.our.many.partners..Securing.the.border.and.controlling.migration.are.our.continued.priorities.and.the.range.of.issues.covered.in.this.update.show.what.a.busy.period.this.has.been.as.we.make.progress.in.implementing.the.new.government’s.programme.

On.23.November.2010,.the.Home.Secretary.announced.a.package.of.measures.to.manage.the.number.of.people.from.outside.Europe.who.can.come.to.the.UK.and.work,.including.an.annual.limit.to.be.implemented.from.April.2011..The.government.is.clear.that.the.UK.

is.open.for.business.and.will.continue.to.welcome.the.brightest.and.best.people.from.around.the.world,.but.with.control.on.the.numbers.coming.here.(Page 10).

Since.the.last.edition.the.Annual.Report.of.the.Independent.Chief.Inspector.of.the.UK.Border.Agency,.John.Vine,.was.laid.before.Parliament..This.summarises.the.Chief.Inspector’s.findings.from.the.nine.inspections.he.carried.out.between.October.2009.and.September.2010..He.found.evidence.of.experienced,.professional.and.committed.staff.but.also.found.areas.where.he.felt.we.needed.to.improve..(Page 3)

I.am.pleased.to.announce.that.the.e-Borders.programme.is.on.track.to.achieve.the.actions.set.out.in.the.Home Office Business plan.published.in.November.2010.and.has.made.significant.progress.over.the.last.few.months.and.we.look.forward.to.working.with.all.of.our.partners.in.2011.and.beyond.to.enhance.e-Borders.capability.(Page 8).

Finally,.Yarl’s.Wood.immigration.removal.centre.was.closed.to.children.on.16.December.2010,.following.a.review.of.the.detention.of.children.and.family.returns.by.the.government.working.with.key.partners,.we.will.now.follow.a.new.four.stage.process.focused.on.engagement.with.families.during.the.decision-making.process..The.new.measures.will.ensure.a.family’s.return.home.is.safe.and.dignified.(Page 17)

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/corporate-publications-strategy/business-plan-2011-2015


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



We.hope.you.find.this.edition.both.informative.and.accessible,.and.we.welcome.any.further.comments.you.might.have..For.general.enquiries.please.write.to.the.Partnership & Engagement Team..For.specific.enquiries.please.see.the.contact.details.under.the.relevant.article.

For.now,.let.me.say.how.much.I.am.looking.forward.to.working.with.you.

Jonathan SedgwickActing.Chief.ExecutiveUK.Border.Agency

mailto:[email protected]


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



AGENCY WIDE NEWS

Independent Chief Inspector publishes his Annual Report

The.Annual.Report.of.the.Independent.Chief.Inspector.of.the.UK.Border.Agency,.John.Vine,.was.laid.before.Parliament.on.16.December..

The.Report.summarises.the.Chief.Inspector’s.findings.from.the.nine.inspections.he.carried.out.between.October.2009.and.September.2010..These.included.inspections.of.our.operations.in.Chennai,.Kuala.Lumpur,.Singapore..It.also.covers.in.Wales.and.the.South.West.and.the.UK.Visa.Section;.thematic.inspections.of.asylum,.family.removals.and.of.complaints.and.MP’s.correspondence;.and.an.unannounced.inspection.of.Croydon.Public.Enquiry.Office..

John.Vine.found.evidence.of.experienced,.professional.and.committed.staff..He.also.found.areas.where.he.felt.the.agency.needed.to.improve..He.highlights.four.key.findings:

the.need.for.the.agency.to.make.good.quality.decisions;the.need.for.agency.staff.to.maintain.and.have.reliable.access.to.accurate.case.information;the.need.to.treat.people.fairly.and.consistentlythe.need.to.manage.change.effectively;.especially.in.terms.of.communicating.the.agency’s.strategy.to.the.staff.who.must.implement.it.

•

•

••

Since.October.the.Chief.Inspector.has.published.three.international.reports.and.five.mini-thematic.reports.as.part.of.his.regional.inspection.of.the.North.West..

The.agency.welcomes.the.work.of.the.Chief.Inspector.in.helping.to.drive.improvements.in.effectiveness.and.efficiency.in.its.operations..For.further.information.please.contact.Jeremy.Johnston.on:.020.7035.4806.or.see.the.Chief.Inspector’s.webpage.

UK Border Agency Strategic Threat Assessment 2010–2011

On.the.17.January,.the.latest.UK.Border.Agency.Strategic.Threat.Assessment.(STA).was.cleared.for.publication..The.STA.describes.and.assesses.the.various.threats.posed.to.the.agency.in.achieving.its.purpose;.to.secure.our.border.and.control.migration..It.gathers.and.presents.in.one.document.our.corporate.understanding,.informed.by.our.partners,.of.the.threats...Improving.overall.awareness.of.the.threats.to.our.objectives.is.critical.to.combating.these.and.mitigating.the.harm.they.cause..While.the.STA.is.produced.by.Intelligence.Directorate,.it.is.a.collaborative.effort.across.the.UK.Border.Intelligence.Service,.and.is.also.informed.by.intelligence.and.assessment.from.other.UK.agencies..The.STA.informs.the.UK.Assessment.of.the.Threat.posed.by.Organised.Crime..The.STA.will.be.available.shortly.on.our.website.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/workingwithus/indbodies/chiefinspector/

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-updates/?area=Strengtheningourborders


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



AGENCY WIDE NEWS

Conferences and seminars for regional MP’s and their staff

The.agency.hosted.two.conferences.for.regional.MP’s.staff.in.the.North.West.on.4.and.11.November.and.a.series.of.seminars.in.Scotland.and.Northern.Ireland.for.MPs.during.2010.

The.conferences.and.seminars.were.organised.to.address.areas.of.common.interest.to.MPs.and.their.staff..They.also.enabled.a.range.of.agency.directorates.explain.current.operations.and.plans.for.the.future..MP.caseworkers.were.also.encouraged.to.contact.the.agency.through.telephone.calls.to.the.dedicated.MP.enquiry.line.and.by.e-mail.to.the.MP.account.manager.team.inbox.in.order.to.obtain.speedier,.more.cost.effective.replies.to.their.enquiries..

MPs.account.manager.teams.were.launched.in.2009.to.improve.working.with.our.most.prolific.MP.correspondents..The.MP.account.manager.is.the.main.point.of.contact.for.regional.MPs.often.visiting.the.MP’s.constituency.offices.

Jo.Liddy,.NW.regional.director,.spoke.at.the.conferences.together.with.colleagues.from.enforcement,.visa.customer.services,.case.resolution.directorate..Delegates.were.able.to.take.part.in.question.and.answer.sessions.with.each.of.the.speakers..These.events.were.well.attended.by.MP’s.caseworkers.and.UK.Border.Agency.colleagues.from.other.regions.also.involved.in.responding.to.MP’s.correspondence..

Feedback.from.MPs.attending.Scotland.and.Northern.Ireland’s.seminars.evidenced.improved.relationship.and.the.added.value.of.account.managers..

For.further.information.on.North.West.MP.liaison.please.contact.Andrew.Heseltine.on:.07920.547.417

For.further.information.on.Scotland.and.Northern.Ireland.MP.liaison.Pauline.Meenan.on.0141.555.1234

Closure of Oakington immigration removal centre

In.November.2010.Oakington.immigration.removal.centre.closed.after.10.years.of.service.

The.centre.opened.in.2000.as.a.temporary.measure.but.later.became.an.immigration.removal.centre.in.2005..It.was.formerly.a.RAF.base.and.has.over.the.years.accommodated.tens.of.thousands.of.detainees.and.has.provided.a.valuable.contribution.to.our.detention.estate.

The.owners.of.the.site,.the.Homes.and.Communities.Agency,.intend.to.develop.the.site.into.for.a.new.town..We.announced.in.May.2009.that.the.centre.would.close.within.2.years..However,.having.expanded.the.estate.with.the.opening.of.Brook.House.and.new.accommodation.at.Harmondsworth,.providing.nearly.800.new.beds.between.them,.and.the.need.to.save.money.as.part.of.our.contribution.to.the.agency’s.drive.to.cut.costs,.the.time.came.to.close.the.centre.


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



INTERNATIONAL

Sharing forgery information with Qatar

The.Risk.and.Liaison.Overseas.Network.(RALON).tackles.the.use.of.false.documentation.to.circumvent.UK.border.controls.

We.work.particularly.closely.with.carriers.and.local.immigration.authorities.as.well.as.detecting.inadequately.documented.passengers;.we.encourage.local.law.enforcement.to.prosecute.those.who.seek.to.travel.on.forged.or.improperly.obtained.documents..We.can.only.do.this.successfully.by.developing.close.working.relationships.with.host.authorities.to.build.their.trust.and.secure.their.support.for.the.work.of.our.liaison.officers.–.as.recently.demonstrated.by.our.work.in.Qatar.

Our.Immigration.Liaison.Manager.(ILM).in.Doha.has.developed.a.close.relationship.with.Qatar.Immigration..Through.discussions.and.operational.support,.he.identified.opportunities.to.improve.the.local.capacity.to.address.the.problem.of.forged.documentation..

We.achieved.a.major.step.forward.in.this.long-term.partnership.between.the.UK.Border.Agency.and.Qatar.Immigration.in.September.this.year,.when.the.agency.delivered.a.very.successful.intermediate.forgery.course.to.16.Qatar.Immigration.Officers..Closely.modelled.on.the.two.day.course.offered.by.the.National.Document.Fraud.Unit.(NDFU),.the.agency.worked.hard.in.advance.to.develop.a.four.day.version.adapted.to.fit.local.learning.expectations.The.

importance.of.this.partnership.to.Qatar.was.publicly.recognised.by.the.Qatari.authorities.in.a.series.of.press.articles.celebrating.the.end.of.the.course.when.the.delegates.were.presented.certificates.by.the.RALON.regional.manager..Early.successes.from.the.project.included.the.successful.interception.of.a.number.of.stolen.passports.being.used.by.illegal.migrants..The.next.step.will.be.the.development.of.the.Forgery.Office.infrastructure,.as.recommended.by.the.agency.and.funded.by.the.Qatari.government..The.course.and.its.materials.will.be.used.as.a.template.for.similar.engagements.across.the.Gulf.


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



INTERNATIONAL

Visa application Centres sharing with Australia

Agency.staff.have.been.working.with.their.counterparts.in.the.Australian.Department.for.Immigration.and.Citizenship.(DIAC).in.a.project.that.will.share.our.existing.network.of.Visa.application.Centres.(VACs).overseas.

The.first.shared.VACs.to.open.were.in.Sylhet.and.Dhaka.in.Bangladesh.on.5.December,.with.the.last.one.planned.for.May.2011..A.total.of.19.VACs.will.be.shared.and.these.will.feed.into.ten.Australian.posts.

The.VACs.chosen.have.the.capacity.to.deal.with.the.anticipated.increase.in.footfall.so.there.will.be.no.decrease.in.the.standard.of.service.given.to.UK.applicants..The.agreement.relates.to.sharing.facilities.in.the.VACs,.which.will.include.the.use.of.the.biometrics.enrolment.system..However,.the.biometric.data.taken.from.Australian.applicants.will.be.sent.and.checked.separately.from.that.submitted.by.UK.applicants.

A.Memorandum.of.Understanding.setting.out.the.terms.and.conditions.of.the.VAC.sharing.arrangement.was.signed.by.the.UK.and.Australia.and.this.project.represents.an.excellent.opportunity.to.support.the.five.countries.agenda.and.to.offer.one.of.our.key.partner’s.practical.support.as.they.seek.to.enhance.their.border.security..The.agency.will.also.benefit.through.sharing.some.of.the.running.costs.of.the.VACs.


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



BORDER CONTROL

UK Border Agency reveals 2010’s most unusual drug concealments

The.UK.Border.Agency.has.published.a.round-up.of.10.of.2010’s.more.unusual.drug.concealments,.to.raise.awareness.of.the.severe.penalties.imposed.on.smugglers.and.the.skills.and.technology.used.by.our.officers.to.keep.drugs.out.of.the.country..

These.smuggling.attempts.show.the.lengths.that.organised.criminals.will.go.to.in.a.bid.to.get.drugs.into.the.UK..Criminals.are.prepared.to.invest.large.sums.of.money.to.come.up.with.ever.better.concealment.methods.because.they.know.the.potential.profits.from.the.awful.trade.in.harmful.drugs.are.considerable..However,.the.smugglers.are.no.match.for.the.skill.of.our.officers.and.the.state-of-the-art.technology.at.their.disposal..Our.most.important.weapon.in.the.fight.against.drug.smuggling.is.intelligence..We.would.urge.anyone.with.information.that.might.be.useful.to.the.UK.Border.Agency.to.phone.our.hotline.on.0800.59.5000.’.

For.more.information.and.full.details.of.the.drug.concealments.can.be.found.on.our website

Streatham couple arrested in France for people smuggling

A.Bulgarian.couple.from.Streatham.have.been.arrested.by.the.French.Border.Police.for.attempting.to.smuggle.a.wheelchair-bound.Iraqi.man.into.the.UK.in.their.car..The.British-registered.vehicle.was.stopped.by.UK.Border.Agency.officers.based.in.Calais.as.it.approached.British.controls.shortly.after.10:00.on.Sunday.21.November..They.checked.the.husband.and.wife’s.passports,.as.well.as.documents.belonging.to.their.passenger..Officers.soon.realised.that.he.was.travelling.using.a.Bulgarian.identity,.which.is.believed.to.have.been.doctored.with.a.substituted.photo..

The.husband.was.refused.entry.by.the.UK.Border.Agency.and.handed.over.to.the.French.Border.Police.to.be.arrested.for.alleged.people.smuggling..Although.bailed,.he.has.been.forced.to.hand.over.his.brand.new.£35,000.BMW.as.assurance.that.he.will.attend.court.on.January.18.2011.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/jan/07-unusual-drug-concealments


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



BORDER CONTROL

e-Borders - Update

The.e-Borders.programme.is.on.track.to.achieve.the.actions.set.out.in.the.Home Office Business plan.published.in.November.2010.

Since.the.last.update.the.programme.has.made.significant.progress.in.our.exit.arrangements.with.Raytheon.whilst.maintaining.live.service..In.November.2010.we.successfully.negotiated.the.contract.with.IBM.for.the.Semaphore.watchlisting.system.and.reached.agreement.with.Raytheon.on.a.process.for.certifying.new.carriers.on.the.system.

The.programme.continues.to.check.55%.of.movements.in.and.out.of.the.UK.at.the.National.Border.Targeting.Centre.and.the.system.has.led.to.over.1175.police.arrests.since.July.as.well.as.significant.rises.in.seizures.-.9kg.of.cocaine.and.over.1.3m.cigarettes.-.since.mid-October

Work.continues.to.ensure.that.the.design.phase.with.new.suppliers.can.be.taken.forward.early.this.year..The.programme.is.hoping.to.reach.agreement.with.the.EU.Commission.soon.on.how.e-Borders.can.operate.without.impacting.Free.Movement.

e-Borders.has.also.played.a.key.role.in.the.success.of.the.Smart.Zone.trials.at.Luton.Airport.and.the.port.of.Calais,.where.passengers.in.selected.flights.and.coaches.have.been.pre-checked.in.order.to.improve.the.border.experience..A.further.trial.will.begin.in.mid-January.at.Gatwick.airport.

The.programme.has.made.significant.progress.over.the.last.few.months.and.we.look.forward.to.working.with.all.of.our.partners.in.2011.and.beyond.to.enhance.e-Borders.capability.and.realise.the.significant.benefits.the.programme.can.bring.across.a.range.of.areas.

We.will.keep.our.partners.up-to-date.on.all.the.significant.developments,.including.the.appointment.of.new.suppliers,.EU.free.Movement.issue.and.the.progress.of.Smart.Zone.trials..If.you.have.any.queries.on.any.of.the.above.please.contact.e-Borders.at:[email protected]

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/corporate-publications-strategy/business-plan-2011-2015



Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



BORDER CONTROL

Sixteen stowaways found in Cheshire-bound lorry

Sixteen.would-be.illegal.immigrants.have.been.stopped.from.illegally.entering.the.country.at.Calais,.after.a.UK.Border.Agency.sniffer.dog.found.them.hiding.in.a.lorry.heading.for.Crewe..

The.foreign.nationals.were.discovered.by.officers.from.the.UK.Border.Agency,.who.work.with.a.team.of.body.detection.dogs.at.the.Calais.ferry.port.in.northern.France..As.officers.checked.vehicles.bound.for.Dover,.‘Buddy’.-.a.3-year-old.sniffer.dog.-.found.the.12.Iranian,.3.Iraqis.and.1.Pakistani.national.hiding.amongst.the.lorry’s.load.of.car.parts.destined.for.Pyms.Lane.in.Crewe..The.stowaways,.all.men,.were.refused.entry.to.the.UK.and.were.then.handed.over.to.the.French.Frontier.Police.(Police.aux.Frontieres).early.on.Tuesday.30.November..The.Polish-registered.lorry.and.Polish.driver.now.each.face.a.potential.fine.if.they.are.found.not.to.have.taken.adequate.steps.to.secure.the.load.

This.discovery.shows.how.the.UK.Border.Agency’s.strong.presence,.not.only.in.the.UK.but.also.in.northern.France,.helps.protect.the.whole.country.from.people.illegally.entering.the.UK..As.well.as.using.sniffer.dogs.like.Buddy,.we.use.heartbeat.detectors.and.carbon.dioxide.probes.to.find.people.hiding.in.vehicles..In.2009.we.stopped.over.29,000.individual.attempts.to.cross.the.channel.illegally.and.searched.over.1,000,000.freight.vehicles.

UK.Border.Agency.officers.use.hi-tech.search.equipment.to.combat.immigration.crime.and.detect.banned.and.restricted.goods.that.smugglers.attempt.to.bring.into.the.country..They.use.an.array.of.search.techniques.including.detection.dogs,.carbon.dioxide.detectors,.heartbeat.monitors.and.scanners.as.well.as.visual.searches.to.find.well-hidden.stowaways,.illegal.drugs,.firearms.and.cigarettes.


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



IMMIGRATION.Managed.Migration

Government sets first annual limit for non-European workers

On.23.November.2010,.the.Home.Secretary.announced.a.package.of.measures.to.manage.the.number.of.people.from.outside.Europe.who.can.come.to.the.UK.and.work,.including.an.annual.limit.to.be.implemented.from.April.2011..The.limit.was.set.following.advice.from.the.independent.Migration.Advisory.Committee.(MAC),.taking.into.account.economic.and.social.impacts..The.UK.Border.Agency.also.undertook.an.extensive.consultation.with.business.and.other.interested.parties.on.how.the.limit.should.work..The.government.is.clear.that.the.UK.is.open.for.business.and.will.continue.to.welcome.the.brightest.and.best.people.from.around.the.world,.but.with.control.on.the.numbers.coming.here..The.agency.will.operate.the.limit.in.a.way.that.gives.businesses.in.the.UK.and.abroad.the.confidence.they.need..For.further.information.please.go.to.the.UK Border Agency website...

Update on the interim limit

On.23.December.2010.the.UK.Border.Agency.stopped.accepting.Tier.1.(General).applications.made.overseas.to.avoid.exceeding.the.interim.limit.set.by.the.government.for.issued.applications.between.19.July.2010.and.April.2011..At.the.same.time,.the.agency.announced.that.Tier.1.(General).overseas.would.not.reopen.for.applications.but.Tier.1.(General).in.the.UK.would.remain.open.until.5.April.2011..There.will.be.transitional.arrangements.beyond.6.April.2011.for.some.applicants.who.are.already.in.the.UK,.and.the.agency.will.announce.details.of.these.in.due.course..Following.a.court.judgement.on.17.December.2010,.the.government.also.set.a.limit.of.10,832.on.the.number.of.certificates.of.sponsorship.that.are.available.to.licensed.Tier.2.sponsors.under.Tier.2.(General).between.21.December.2010.and.5.April.2011..For.further.information.please.go.to.the.UK Border Agency website..

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/nov/78-first-annual-limit

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/nov/78-first-annual-limit

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/dec/61-t1g-closure-overseas

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/dec/61-t1g-closure-overseas


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25




Reform of the student immigration system

On.7.December.2010,.the.UK.Border.Agency.launched.a.public.consultation.on.the.reform.of.Tier.4.of.the.points-based.system.-.the.student.entry.route.to.the.UK...The.proposed.key.areas.of.reform.outlined.in.the.consultation.paper.are:

raising.the.level.of.courses.students.can.study,.with.only.Highly.Trusted.Sponsors.able.to.offer.courses.to.adult.students.below.degree.levelintroducing.tougher.entry.criteria.for.adult.students.ensuring.students.return.overseas.after.their.courselimiting.the.entitlements.to.work.and.to.sponsor.dependants.simpler.procedures.for.checking.low-risk.applicationsstricter.accreditation.procedures.for.education.providers.in.the.private.sector..

The.agency.wants.to.encourage.all.those.genuine.students.coming.to.the.UK.to.study.at.its.world.class.academic.institutions..However.it.is.clear.that.the.government’s.aim.to.reduce.net.migration.will.not.be.achieved.without.careful.consideration.and.action.on.the.non-economic.routes.including.students..The.agency.is.committed.to.minimising.abuse.of.the.student.route.by.those.whose.primary.motivation.is.not.to.study.but.to.work.and.settle.in.the.UK...The.consultation.will.run.until.31.January.2011,.and.can.be.found.on.the.UK Border Agency website.

•

•••

••

Extended student visitor visa for migrants studying English language courses

The.UK.Border.Agency.announced.that.from.10.January.2011,.English.language.students.wishing.to.attend.exclusively.English.language.courses.would.be.able.to.apply.for.a.student.visitor.visa.allowing.them.to.stay.for.up.to.11.months..The.extended.student.visitor.visa.is.only.available.to.applicants.outside.the.UK..Students.wishing.to.study.other.courses.in.the.UK.for.longer.than.six.months.will.still.need.to.apply.under.Tier.4.of.the.points-based.system..‘Non-visa-nationals’,.who.would.not.normally.need.a.visa.to.study.for.up.to.six.months,.must.apply.for.the.extended.visa.if.they.wish.to.take.a.longer.English.language.course..For.further.information.please.go.to.the.UK Border Agency website..

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/consultations/students/

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/dec/34-extended-student-visitor-visa

http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/dec/34-extended-student-visitor-visa


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25




Dedicated marriage interview team in Liverpool

Marriage.abuse.is.a.continuing.problem.and.the.marriage.interview.is.an.essential.tool.in.testing.the.credibility.of.applicants.

A.dedicated.marriage.interview.team.is.helping.to.reduce.the.number.of.sham.marriages.as.part.of.a.series.of.measures.to.tackle.abuse.of.immigration..With.the.responsibility.for.all.permanent.migration.settlement.casework.moving.to.Liverpool.this.year.the.agency.has.set.up.a.dedicated.resource..There.is.an.enormous.benefit.having.interviews.and.decisions.completed.in.Liverpool..Settlement.caseworkers.concerned.over.applications.can.easily.refer.cases.for.an.interview.within.the.same.area.creating.a.more.streamlined.process.

The.Liverpool.team.is.fast.becoming.a.centre.of.excellence,.developing.significant.expertise.in.its.field..All.caseworkers.have.regular.settlement.casework.responsibilities.as.well.as.conducting.the.interviews.and.the.team.is.already.a.valuable.shared.service.for.tackling.abuse..It.has.eased.the.workload.for.colleagues.in.European.casework.by.conducting.some.of.its.marriage.interviews.as.well..

Nationality and British passport applications

Following.discussions.with.the.Identity.and.Passport.Service.(IPS),.we.have.initiated.a.joint.working.project.on.proposals.to.merge.the.application.for.both.Nationality.(British.citizenship).and.a.British.passport.together..The.proposal.will.enable.local.authorities.to.present.passports.to.new.Citizens,.who.choose.to.have.one,.at.their.Citizenship.Ceremony..

Discussions.are.taking.place.to.develop.the.business.case.for.passports.at.ceremonies..These.discussions.are.informing.the.development.of.a.draft.operational.policy.and.operating.model.and.a.joint.paper.will.be.presented.to.respective.IPS.and.agency.boards,.early.in.2011..

These.proposals.will.enable.financial.savings.and.customer.service.improvements..

For.further.information.please.contact.Janet.Gordon-Smith.on.0151.2375529.


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25




Changes to the certificate of approval scheme

On.26.July.2010,.the.government.announced.its.intention.to.abolish.the.‘certificate.of.approval’.scheme..A.Remedial.Order.under.the.Human.Rights.Act.1998.was.laid.in.Parliament.to.achieve.this.aim.

At.present,.any.migrant.who.is.already.in.the.UK.and.is.subject.to.immigration.control.must.apply.for.a.certificate.of.approval.before.they.can.get.married.or.register.a.civil.partnership.in.this.country.(unless.they.are.getting.married.within.the.Anglican.Church).

The.government.is.now.seeking.to.remedy.the.declaration.by.the.UK.courts.that.the.scheme.is.incompatible.with.Article.14.of.the.European.Convention.on.Human.Rights.(read.with.Article.12)..Additionally,.changes.made.following.rulings.from.the.courts.have.weakened.the.scheme,.and.it.is.no.longer.an.effective.method.of.preventing.sham.marriage.

For.further.information.please.go.to.the.UK Border Agency website..

Biometric resident permits - Tiers 1 and 5 of the points-based system

From.14.December.2010,.migrants.must.enrol.their.biometric.information.(fingerprints.and.facial.photograph).with.the.UK.Border.Agency.if.they.want.to.apply.for.further.leave.to.remain.in.the.UK.under.Tier.1.or.Tier.5.(Temporary.worker).of.the.points-based.system.

Enrolling.biometric.information.helps.to.protect.the.identities.of.genuine.applicants..Successful.applicants.are.issued.with.a.biometric.residence.permit,.which.provides.evidence.of.their.permission.to.stay.in.the.UK.and.shows.the.conditions.of.their.stay.

The.UK.Border.Agency.has.amended.the.Tier.1.and.Tier.5.(Temporary.worker).application.forms.and.policy.guidance.to.reflect.the.new.requirement.

For.more.information.please.go.to.the.UK Border Agency website.

http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/32-coa-changes

http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/32-coa-changes

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/dec/47biometric-residence-permits

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/dec/47biometric-residence-permits


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25




Points-based system - new versions of application forms and guidance

On.14.December.2010,.the.UK.Border.Agency.published.new.versions.of.its.application.forms.and.policy.guidance.under.the.following.categories.of.the.points-based.system:

Tier.1.(General).Tier.1.(Entrepreneur).Tier.1.(Investor).Tier.1.(Post-study.work).Tier.2.-.all.categories.(application.form.only.-.no.change.to.policy.guidance).Tier.5.(Temporary.worker).-.all.sub-categories.PBS.dependant.

These.new.versions.reflect.the.new.requirement.for.Tier.1.and.Tier.5.applicants.to.obtain.biometric.residence.permits,.and.other.minor.changes.

New.forms.should.be.used.with.immediate.effect...The.UK.Border.Agency.will.consider.all.applications.under.the.current.Immigration.Rules,.regardless.of.which.version.of.the.application.form.is.used.

Full.details.of.all.the.changes.to.the.policy.guidance.are.provided.on.the.UK Border Agency website.

•••••

••

New versions of application forms and changes to application fees

All.FLR.and.SET.(protection.route).applications.forms,.and.forms.for.applications.made.in.the.UK.under.the.points-based.system,.have.been.revised.to.reflect:

the.mid-year increase in application fees;.the.new.option.to.pay.the.application.fee.by.American.Express.(Amex);.and.additional.declaration.pages.which.will.allow.the.agency.to.obtain.the.information.needed.to.support.applications.made.in.the.UK.

For.further.information.please.go.to.the.UK Border Agency website.

Revised policy guidance following Pankina judgments

On.22.November.2010.the.UK.Border.Agency.published.revised.policy.guidance.for.applicants.under.the.points-based.system.whose.applications.were.refused.solely.because.they.did.not.meet.the.maintenance.(funds).requirement..If.they.made.their.application.within.a.certain.time.period,.they.can.ask.the.UK.Border.Agency.to.review.the.decision.to.refuse.their.application.

For.further.information.and.to.find.the.revised.guidance,.please.visit.the.UK Border agency website.

••

•

http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/pbs/tables-changes-1210.pdf

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/nov/65-new-fees

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/nov/68-new-application-forms

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/nov/68-new-application-forms

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/nov/75-revised-guidance-pankina


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25




New immigration application fees from 22 November 2010

On.Monday.22.November.introduced.new.application.fees.for.migrants.applying.to.come.to.or.extend.their.stay.in.the.UK.for.work,.study.or.other.reasons.

The.fees.being.changed.are.those.set.above.the.cost.of.processing,.which.are.subject.to.the.affirmative.parliamentary.process..Fees.that.are.set.at.or.below.the.cost.of.processing.were.revised.on.Friday.1.October.2010.

The.change.in.fees.was.announced.on.9 September 2011..Details.of.the.revised.fees.are.available.in.the.UK.Border.Agency’s.Fees for our services section.

12 local authorities go live in 2010 with a checking service pilot for settlement applicationsCustomers.applying.for.settlement.on.application.form.SET.(M).now.have.the.option.of.submitting.their.application.via.the.settlement.checking.service;.piloted.in.12.local.authorities.

The.settlement.checking.service.builds.on.the.success.of.the.nationality.checking.service.by.extending.provision.from.citizenship.only,.to.settlement.applications.from.spouses,.civil.partners,.unmarried.partners.or.same-sex.partners.of.British.citizens.or.persons.settled.in.the.UK.(SET.(M))..

The.service.is.delivered.in.partnership.between.local.authorities.and.the.agency.offering.customers.the.assurance.of.a.complete.and.valid.application,.allowing.them.to.retain.valuable.documents.and.avoid.unnecessary.delays..The.agency.benefits.from.accurately.completed.applications.which.are.ready.to.decide..

The.pilot.rolled.out.across.12.local.authorities.in.November.2010.with.positive.feedback.from.customers.and.agency.staff..The.local.authorities.have.undertaken.training.in.Liverpool.including.extensive.fraud,.forgery.and.impersonation.training.and.have.support.through.a.helpdesk.provided.by.agency.casework.teams..

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/sept/29-mid-year-fee-increases

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/sept/29-mid-year-fee-increases

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/fees/


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25




169.applications.have.been.submitted.via.the.service;.all.have.been.granted.and.have.proven.faster.to.decide.by.about.a.third..The.average.fee.for.the.settlement.checking.service.is.£75.00..Details.of.how.to.apply.via.the.service,.and.application.forms,.have.been.included.on.the.web.site..In.spring.2011.the.pilot.will.extend.to.12.more.local.authorities.and.is.looking.into.the.feasibility.of.including.other.settlement.application.types.

Information.about.settlement.checking.service.is.available.on.the.UK Border Agency website..We.will.provide.an.update.on.the.progress.of.the.pilot.in.the.next.UK.Border.Agency.bimonthly.update.

For.further.information.please.contact.Dave.Draper.on:.0151.237.5526

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



IMMIGRATION.Enforcement

Success after largest raid in Wales this year

An.enforcement.operation.at.the.construction.site.of.a.Pembroke.power.station,.by.the.UK.Border.Agency,.identified.30.illegal.workers..It.was.part.of.a.UK-wide.campaign.to.tackle.immigration.crime.

After.receiving.information.about.suspected.illegal.working,.officers.from.the.agency,.supported.by.Dyfed-Powys.police,.went.to.the.power.station.on.25.November.2010.and.checked.the.immigration.status.of.workers..Offences.committed.included.staying.in.the.UK.after.visas.had.expired,.entering.the.UK.illegally.and.working.in.breach.of.visa.conditions.

Building.sub-contractor.Sisk.was.served.with.a.civil.penalty.notice.for.employing.illegal.workers..If.unable.to.prove.that.right-to-work.checks.were.completed,.a.fine.of.up.to.£10,000.will.be.imposed.for.each.worker..This.was.a.very.complex.operation.which.involved.questioning.51.workers..It.was.by.far.the.biggest.illegal.working.operation.in.Wales.this.year.

The.agency.has.already.removed.four.Indian.nationals.with.another.six.men.detained.awaiting.removal..

New approach to family returns

Yarl’s.Wood.immigration.removal.centre.was.closed.to.children.on.16.December.2010,.following.a.review.of.the.detention.of.children.and.family.returns.by.the.government.working.with.key.partners.

In.May.of.last.year,.the.government.committed.to.end.the.detention.of.children.for.immigration.purposes..The.government.unveiled.a.new.approach.to.family.removals,.following.a.wide-reaching.review.and.consultation.

The.UK.Border.Agency.will.now.follow.a.new.four.stage.process.focused.on.engagement.with.families.during.the.decision-making.process,.giving.parents.the.opportunity.to.engage.in.when.and.how.they.return,.when.they.have.been.found.to.have.no.legal.right.to.stay.in.the.UK..The.new.measures.will.ensure.a.family’s.return.home.is.safe.and.dignified.


http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/dec/48-family-returns

http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/dec/48-family-returns


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



IMMIGRATION.Enforcement

Agency and police crack down on immigration identity crime

As.part.of.the.National.Fraud.Initiative,.we.are.using.the.immigration.case.work.(ICW).programme’s.cross-system.search.tool.to.help.in.the.hunt.for.fraudulent.identities.

So.far,.Operation.Amberhill.has.been.a.success.by.using.seized.criminal.IT.assets.to.search.for.fraudulent.identities,.such.as.domestic.and.foreign.driving.licences,.application.registration.cards.(ARC),.fingerprint.references.and.EU.identification.documents.

I-Search.has.sped.up.the.process.of.searching.for.bogus.identities.and.cross.checking.those.found.against.records.on.agency.databases..

‘A.man’s.due.in.court.on.remand.who.had.a.number.of.false.UK.DVLA.licences..He’d.been.using.his.photo.but.other.people’s.names.on.false.driving.licences.to.sit.the.knowledge.of.life.in.the.UK.test.for.them,.charging.them.£200.a.time..I-Search.helped.us.identify.the.details.of.six.people.who.cheated.on.their.test.by.paying.this.man.

Since.we.started.to.use.the.system,.we.have.increased.our.‘hit.rate’.as.it.searches.quickly..It.also.identifies.data.that.otherwise.we.might.have.missed,.like.details.

of.when.the.test.was.taken.and.what.ID.was.shown..It.was.this.information.that.showed.our.suspect.was.using.fake.driving.licences.and.helped.intelligence.and.analysis.provide.the.evidence.to.the.police.’

Updated summary guidance for employers on preventing illegal working

On.3.December.2010,.the.UK.Border.Agency.published.updated.summary.guidance.to.help.employers.understand.the.law.on.illegal.working.and.what.they.need.to.do.to.comply.

Guidance.includes.details.of.document.checks.that.employers.are.advised.to.undertake,.and.aims.to.be.a.quick.reference.tool..It.must.be.read.in.conjunction.with.the.agency’s.comprehensive.guidance.for.employers.on.preventing.illegal.working,.which.was.updated.on.2.November.2010.

You.can.download.both.updated.documents.from.the.preventing illegal working - guidance documents for employers page,.on.the.UK.Border.Agency.website.

For.general.enquiries.regarding.illegal.working,.please.contact.the.agency’s.sponsorship and employers’ helpline.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/preventingillegalworking/

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/employersandsponsors/preventingillegalworking/

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/contacts/employershelpline

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/contacts/employershelpline


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



IMMIGRATION.Asylum

Child asylum cases

The.UK.Border.Agency.issued.a.response.to.Channel.4’s.Dispatches.programme.on.child.asylum.cases.on.30.November.2010.

Child.asylum.and.the.detention.of.children.for.immigration.purposes.has.been.the.subject.of.widespread.media.attention,.and.Channel.4’s.Dispatches.programme.on.Monday.29.November.2010.discussed.three.cases.

The.government.is.committed.to.ending.the.detention.of.children.for.immigration.purposes,.and.is.working.with.a.number.of.charities.representing.children.and.asylum.seekers.to.achieve.this.end..The.UK.Border.Agency.is.currently.piloting.alternative.schemes.in.London.and.the.North.West.


Training supports new sexual orientation guidance

A.new.asylum.consideration.training.course.on.sexual.orientation.has.been.devised.for.asylum.case.owners.to.help.them.conduct.sensitive.and.objective.enquiries..The.new.one-day.training.module,.which.was.piloted.in.London.and.Liverpool,.has.been.developed.to.support.the.publication.of.the.recent.asylum.instruction.on.sexual.orientation..

As.part.of.the.training,.decision.makers.learn.how.to.interview.applicants.whose.claims.are.brought.on.the.grounds.of.sexual.orientation.sensitively.and.effectively,.using.appropriate.lines.of.questioning..The.training.will.also.enhance.decision.makers’.ability.to.make.the.most.of.country.of.origin.information.and.write.the.most.effective.decisions.possible.

The.training.has.been.devised.with.input.from.key.corporate.partners.including.the.United.Nations.High.Commissioner.for.Refugees.(UNHCR),.Stonewall.and.the.UK.Lesbian.and.Gay.Immigration.Group.and.is.expected.to.be.rolled.out.to.all.regions.by.March.2011.

The.course.highlights.some.of.the.challenges.in.dealing.with.lesbian,.gay.and.bisexual.asylum.claims.and.offers.excellent.advice.on.the.correct.approaches..Trainees.particularly.welcomed.the.opportunity.to.discuss.questioning.techniques.and.to.share.their.own.experiences.

http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/nov/99child-asylum-cases

http://ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2010/nov/99child-asylum-cases


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



IMMIGRATION.Asylum

COMPASS – Commercial and Operational Managers Procuring Asylum Support ServicesFollowing.two.successful.supplier.conferences.in.October.2010,.the.project.held.a.series.of.one.to.one.meetings.with.interested.potential.commercial.partners.in.November.2010.and.UK.Border.Agency.operational.colleagues.to.discuss.the.feasibility.of.the.different.contract.delivery.models..In.July.2009,.the.agency.announced.the.launch.of.the.COMPASS.project.to.provide.ongoing.contract.provision.for.asylum.and.refugee.support.services,.in.accordance.with.government.policy,.beyond.the.current.arrangements.that.are.due.to.expire.in.2011/2012...Representatives.from.public,.private.and.voluntary.sector.organisations.attended.the.meetings..As.a.result.of.engagement.and.feedback.from.corporate.partners.and.careful.consideration.the.scope.of.the.project.has.been.reviewed.and.amended,.removing.most.of.advisory.services.from.this.procurement.exercise..The.following.services.for.asylum.applicants.are.now.within.scope.of.COMPASS;

Initial/dispersed.accommodation.and.associated.servicesTransport

.

•

•

The.project.continues.to.engage.with.our.corporate.partners.including.the.National.Migration.Group.and.National.Asylum.Stakeholder.Forum.to.inform.future.project.delivery..The.project.will.continue.to.engage,.provide.updates.and.consider.feedback.from.corporate.partners.throughout.the.project.and.work.with.operational.colleagues.to.understand.and.manage.the.impact.of.the.changes.this.project.will.bring..Further.updates.on.the.work.of.the.COMPASS.Project.will.be.issued.over.the.coming.months..In.the.meantime,.should.you.have.any.queries.please.contact.the.COMPASS.Mailbox:.Compass@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.For.further.information.please.contact;.Sharon.Houghton.on.07990.748.852



Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



IMMIGRATION.Asylum

Launch of early legal advice pilot aims to help improve asylum decision making

The.early.legal.advice.project.(ELAP).pilot.in.the.Midlands.and.East.region.was.launced.on.15.November.2010..ELAP.will.provide.additional.legal.advice.early.on.in.the.asylum.process.and.give.caseowners.more.information.to.assist.them.with.their.decision.making..The.pilot,.which.intends.to.reduce.the.number.of.applicants.lodging.an.appeal,.is.being.run.in.partnership.with.the.Legal.Services.Commission.

The.ELAP.process.will.include:

a.structured.system.to.allow.the.applicant.to.refer.their.case.to.a.legal.representative.prior.to.the.interviewadditional.contact.between.the.caseowner.and.legal.representative.to.establish.when.further.evidence.can.helpfully.be.submittedthe.use.of.flexible.criteria.so.the.caseowner.can.delay.making.a.decision.until.all.the.facts.of.the.case.are.fully.establishedthe.presence.of.a.legal.representative.at.substantive.asylum.interviews.

It.is.hoped.that.by.providing.legal.advice.earlier.in.the.asylum.process.we.will.see.improvements.in.the.quality.of.decision.making.and.a.more.efficient.asylum.system.

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•

•

The.new.process.will.be.monitored.closely.and.if.it.proves.successful,.may.be.rolled.out.nationally.from.2013..Initial.results.from.the.pilot.are.anticipated.from.September.2011.onwards.

NASF Case Resolution Sub Group

On.1.November.Lin.Homer.wrote.to.the.Home.Affairs.Select.Committee.to.update.them.on.the.progress.that.has.been.made.by.the.UK.Border.Agency.in.concluding.the.backlog.of.older.asylum.cases..At.the.end.of.September.2010,.the.agency.had.concluded.334,500.cases,.of.which.42%.were.grants,.11%.were.removals.and.48%.were.“other.conclusions”.such.as.data.errors.

The.Case.Resolution.Directorate.sub.group.of.the.National.Asylum.Stakeholder.Forum.met.on.9.September..The.forum.is.held.quarterly.to.discuss.CRD.specific.issues.and.is.attended.by.a.wide.range.of.our.corporate.partners..The.group.was.provided.with.operational.and.policy.updates.and.discussed.plans.for.concluding.the.remaining.cohort.by.next.summer..The.CRD.sub-group.is.an.invaluable.forum,.which.allows.close.partnership.working.with.the.Voluntary.Sector,.and.enables.us.to.tackle.issues.quickly.and.effectively.through.open.dialogue..

For.further.information.please.contact:.Evelyn.Tilly.on.020.8760.2851.


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



IMMIGRATION.Asylum

Withdrawal of R(S) policy for dealing with failed asylum claims

The.policy.document.entitled.‘Guidance.on.R(S).policy.-.dealing.with.failed.asylum.claims.which.may.have.lost.the.benefit.of.an.Enter.or.Remain.(ELR).policy.as.a.result.of.delay’.was.withdrawn.on.20.December.2010.

Outstanding.representations.on.the.basis.of.the.R(S).policy,.which.the.agency.received.prior.to.the.policy’s.withdrawal,.will.still.be.considered.against.the.policy..Any.representations.received.following.the.R(S).policy’s.withdrawal.will.not.be.considered.against.the.policy.

Following.the.withdrawal.of.the.policy,.any.representations.seeking.to.rely.on.the.Court.of.Appeal.judgment.in.R(S).[2007].EWCA.Civ.546.will.be.considered.by.the.UK.Border.Agency.on.a.case-by-case.basis.


Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



STRATEGIC PARTNER GROUPS

National Asylum Stakeholder Forum (NASF) – 18 November 2010

The.Legal Aid Consultation.and.Early.Legal.Advice.Pilot.were.the.focus.of.discussion.at.the.last.NASF.meeting,.which.took.place.on.18.November.2010..The.consultation.was.published.on.Monday.15.November.2010.and.closes.on.14.February.2011..

Following.on.from.the.previous.meeting.there.was.further.discussion.on.the.asylum.improvement.project.(AIP),.which.aims.to.reduce.the.overall.asylum.support.spend,.achieve.a.lower.level.of.un-concluded.cases.and.improve.the.efficiency.of.asylum.case.working..

The.Voluntary.Key.Worker’s.pilot,.which.is.being.implemented.by.Refugee.Action,.was.also.discussed.at.the.meeting..The.pilot.focuses.on.meeting.with.clients.before.interviews.and.looks.at.vulnerable.groups.at.an.early.stage.of.the.process.before.referring.them.to.a.case.owner.or.the.National.Referral.Mechanism.(NRM).

A.further.agenda.item.on.the.protection.gap,.which.relates.to.those.individuals.who.reach.the.end.of.the.process.but.still.have.protection.needs,.was.also.discussed.at.the.meeting.

For.further.information.please.email.Adam Whisker.or.Sheelagh Warde.

http://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/legal-aid-reform-151110.htm




Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



STRATEGIC PARTNER GROUPS

Upcoming meetings with corporate partners

Partner Group Date of Next Meeting Contact

National.Asylum.Operational.Forum.(NASOF) 2.February.2011 [email protected]

Gateway.Steering.Group 8.February.2011 [email protected]

Scottish.Asylum.Stakeholder.Forum.(SASF) 9.February.2011 [email protected]

Voluntary.Returns.Steering.Group 15.February.2011 [email protected]

Case.Resolution.Sub-group 10.March.2011 [email protected]

Children’s.Sub.Group 10.March.2011 [email protected]

National.Migration.Group 31.March.2011 [email protected]









Agency.wide.news....................... 3

International............................... 5

Border.control............................. 7

Immigration


Enforcement........................ 17

Asylum................................ 19


Regional.focus.......................... 25



REGIONAL FOCUS

Local news within your region of interest

London and South Eastwww.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-updates/?area=LondonandSouthEast

Midlands and East of Englandwww.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-updates/?area=MidlandsandEastofEngland

North East, Yorkshire and Humberwww.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-updates/?area=NorthEastYorkshireandHumber

North Westwww.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-updates/?area=NorthWest

Scotland and Northern Irelandwww.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-updates/?area=ScotlandandNorthernIreland

Wales and South Westwww.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-and-updates/?area=WalesandSouthWest

Documents

Issue.5.–.January.2011 UK BORDER AGENCY NEWS The ......Contents Introduction.....1 Agency.wide.news.....3 International.....5 Border.control.....7 Immigration Managed.migration.....10