Simplifying legislation, processes and technology
Simplification Project
The Simplification Project team is taking forward the public commitment made in the review of the immigration system (July 2006) to radically simplify immigration law.
The Immigration Act 1971 is the foundation of the current legal framework, although that Act was passed in a very different world. Subsequent Acts have provided vital additions and strengthening measures to respond to changes over the last thirty years. These Acts are:
- Immigration (Carrier's Liability) Act 1987
- Immigration Act 1988.
- Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993,
- Asylum and Immigration Act 1996,
- Special Immigration Appeals Commission Act 1997
- Immigration and Asylum Act 1999,
- Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002,
- Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc) Act 2004,
- Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006
- UK Borders Act 2007.
We recognise that the legal framework for immigration has become complex. We believe that this complexity can reduce the efficiency of decision-making processes, resulting in a risk of delay and mistakes. It can also make it difficult for applicants to understand how they can come to or stay in the United Kingdom legitimately.
To address this we will replace all of the existing Immigration Acts with a new, clear, simplified Act. We will also introduce new, clearer immigration rules and necessary secondary legisation replacing the existing products.
We ran an initial consultation entitled 'Simplifying Immigration Law: an initial consultation' from 6 June to 29 August 2007 which introduced the project and set out principles for simplification. The results of this consultation were published on 6 December 2007.
In February 2008 we published a joint Green Paper covering new proposals about citizenship and simplification of the law (The Path to Citizenship: Next Steps in Reforming the Immigration System). This consultation period closed in May 2008.
We hope to publish a draft bill this year. The bill is intended to:
- support the concept of earned citizenship - setting out the eligibility requirements for UK citizenship;
- support the establishment of the UK Border Agency;
- replace ten separate pieces of immigration law, of which some of
- the earlier provisions have already been partially superseded by subsequent Acts, with a single Act of Parliament;
- provide for sharper and more consistent immigration rules, which can continue to be quickly adjusted in response to changing circumstances
Subject to the Parliamentary timetable we hope to introduce the new Bill to Parliament in the 2008/09 session.
The Simplification team is working closely with the Immigration Case Work Programme team to link together the simplified legal framework with strengthened and streamlined business processes.
You can contact the project at immigrationsimplification@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Immigration Case Work Programme
The Immigration Case Work (ICW) programme stems from commitments given in the review of the immigration system in July 2006, including the following:
- We will radically overhaul processes to simplify and standardise activities.
- We will put in place an electronic case working system and support this with improved information and knowledge management systems.
The vision of the ICW programme is to assist the Home Office and the UK Border Agency, in meeting these and other objectives through the delivery of a world-class case working capability. This will be achieved by delivering radically redesigned and simplified processes that take advantage of modern, proven technology to significantly improve efficiency and customer service.
To ensure the best possible solution, ICW will take account of lessons learnt from past business change and technology implementation programmes as well as from good practice in other countries and other organisations. Building on the roll out of the points-based system, implementation is expected to take place in a phased way in accordance with the time frames set out in the UK Border Agency's business plan, with different parts of the business taking on improved processes and systems at different times. Great emphasis will be placed on initial and ongoing training to ensure that users are competent in using the new systems.
The programme will need to deliver demonstrable value for money and will explore all of the available procurement avenues - including existing competed Government framework contracts and full open competition. Any procurement activity will, of course, comply fully with government and Home Office policy, as well as with relevant legislation. Further information will appear on this website as requirements are developed.
If you would like to pass on your ideas or suggestions about how immigration processes and systems could be improved, or you would like to find out more about the ICW programme, you can contact the ICW team using the following email address: ICWProgramme@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk