WIREDGOV

A report released yesterday offers a detailed analysis of why some foreign convicts in the UK were not deported.

The Border and Immigration Agency's report identifies the problems that led to the situation that occurred last year, where hundreds of foreign nationals convicted of crimes in the UK were found not to have been considered for deportation.

It details the budgetary issues and weaknesses in relationships between the prison service and immigration agencies that meant that information about foreign prisoners was not given to immigration officials.

The report also contains an update on efforts to deport 1013 foreign nationals convicted of crimes in the UK.

Many improvements to the immigration system since last year

The report shows that the Border and Immigration Agency has made considerable headway in the last year in dealing wtih some systemic problems. A widespread, year-old reform programme has already led to vast improvements, including:

• doubling the deportation rate for foreign prisoners
• resolving almost 40% of asylum applications in six months
• deporting more failed asylum seekers than ever before
• improving new off-shore border security measures

Stronger immigration controls on the way

Lin Homer, BIA Chief Executive, said the agency had made 'major strides' since the foreign national prisoner issue came to light in April 2006.

'In the past year, a range of actions have been undertaken to rectify the problems identified here,' she said.

In the coming months, even stronger immigration controls are to be put in place. These will include:

• creating a points system for prospective immigrants
• making the system more open, through the work of the Migration Advisory Committee
• strengthening regional offices to help people wherey they live

Learn more

Read the foreign national prisoners report on the BIA website (new window).