Digitalising the UK Border – UK plans for a digital border by the end of 2025

02 Jun 2021, 44 mins ago

This includes an online immigration status service checker, border crossing technology and a universal permission to travel system.

The implementation of these reforms proposes to give greater control over who enters and leaves the UK, provide a clearer picture of who is in the UK and whether they should be or not, “help UK businesses take advantage of new trading relationships with the rest of the world” and strengthen the ability to identify potential threats before they reach the border.

In her speech on immigration, Home Secretary Priti Patel stated that anything less of a “wholescale reform” of the UK’s immigration system would not meet the “demands of the British people”. She further went on to state that the British people want a system “that works for the law-abiding majority and against those who abuse [the UK’s] hospitality and generosity,” which “welcomes those most in need of sanctuary”, “slam[ming] the door on dangerous criminals” whilst “attract[ing] top talent from around the world”.

Border Crossing Technology

With the aim of delivering the world’s most effective modern border crossing system, the UK Government intends to transform the current system through the roll-out of successfully piloted new technology, known as Border Crossing BX. Such technology will initially allow for Border Force Officers to check whether an individual has applied for or been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme by Summer 2021, and will then be further extended throughout the remainder of 2021 to allow for the  status of those who use e-gates to be checked. The implementation of this technology hopes to improve the operational process at the border, customer service delivery and provide security benefits, including detecting any partner agencies’ persons of interest encountered at the border.

Online immigration status

Another step proposed by the Government towards a fully digital immigration system is moving away from providing physical documents that evidence immigration status, such as vignettes in passports and Biometric Residence Permits, and replacing such documents with an online immigration status system. Individuals who have settled or pre-settled status or have applied for a visa via the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app can already use this service to prove their status to others, i.e. employers and enforcement bodies, update their personal details and check what rights they have in the UK, i.e. right to work, rent or to claim benefits.

Universal permission to travel

The introduction of a universal permission to travel system will require those travelling to the UK without an advance visa or confirmed immigration status, such as non-visa national visitors, to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), similar to the United States’ ESTA, in advance of travel to the UK. The ETA application process is set to be automated, with only complex or adverse decisions being made by a trained caseworker. The ETA scheme is due to be in place by the end of 2024 and hopes to facilitate the passage of legitimate travellers, whilst also providing an additional security measure by identifying threats at an earlier stage and preventing them from entering the UK.

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