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Simpler immigration and citizenship law promised

HOME OFFICE News Release (101/2007) issued by The Government News Network on 6 June 2007

Home Office Minister Liam Byrne, today launched proposals to simplify complex immigration and citizenship laws, delivering the commitment made by the Home Secretary last year.

The consultation; Simplifying immigration and citizenship law, aims to draw together views on how to radically simplify the Border and Immigration Agency's (BIA) legal framework.

Immigration Minister, Liam Byrne, said:

"We made a commitment in July 2006 to strengthen and simply our immigration and citizenship laws to speed up decisions, increase removals of those who have no right to stay here and give our frontline staff the right powers to do their job. Today's announcement is the next step in delivering that promise.

"Our plan is to radically simplifying laws that date back to the early 1970's. I want a clear and simple legal system for fast but fair decisions. "The British public and newcomers alike want to be clear about the rules and responsibilities that go with it, and all of us want those who have no right to be here to be clear of the consequences."

Reform of the immigration system, has already seen significant progress during the past year with greater joint work with police and benefits agencies to tackle illegal immigration and its consequences, the introduction of new technology at the border, a timetable for the introduction of an Australian style points based system for managing migration and the publication of proposals for biometric ID for non-EEA foreign nationals living in Britain.

Simplifying the Border and Immigration Agency's legal framework, including primary legislation and rules and guidance, will create a user friendly and clearer decision making process. It will help increase the number of removals of those who have no legal right to stay here and decrease the likelihood of legal challenges following refusals of asylum claims. It would also provide a new clear decision making system that potential asylum applicants can use to access the strength of their case before submitting it, helping BIA to work more efficiently.

Notes to editors

1. Today's consultation document can be found at: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/lawandpolicy/consultationdocuments/currentconsultations

2. The consultation launched today will end on the 29 August 2007. Subject to Parliamentary timetable, the planned new primary legislation would be introduced in 2008.

3. The document 'Fair, effective, transparent and trusted. Rebuilding confidence in our immigration system' can be found at: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/6353/aboutus/indrev.pdf

4. Other recent documents include:

* The publication of a cross-government enforcement strategy: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/6353/aboutus/enforcementstrategy.pdf

* The borders and visa strategy: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/6353/aboutus/securingtheukborderfinal.pdf