HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY
Immigration and asylum policy: Government plans and progress made
Standard Note: SN/HA/5829
Last updated: 18 March 2013
Author: Melanie Gower
Section Home Affairs Section
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This information is provided to Members of Parliament in support of their parliamentary duties and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual. It should not be relied upon as being up to date; the law or policies may have changed since it was last updated; and it should not be relied upon as legal or professional advice or as a substitute for it. A suitably qualified professional should be consulted if specific advice or information is required. The website of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner explains about the regulation of immigration advisers and includes a useful online 'adviser finder'.
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This note provides an overview of the Government's immigration and asylum policy priorities and its progress in implementing them.
The Prime Minister has described the Government's immigration policy objective as "good immigration, not mass immigration." By minimising opportunities for abuse and being more selective about the criteria for entry, the Government believes that it will be able to reduce overall net migration levels, whilst simultaneously attracting more of the 'brightest and best' migrants whose presence is deemed to be most beneficial to the UK. The Government intends that net migration levels will reduce over the course of this parliament from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands as a result of its reforms.
With these objectives in mind, the Government has been reviewing all immigration categories and routes to permanent settlement, and gradually introducing changes to their eligibility criteria and associated conditions. Whilst some visa categories have been completely closed to new applicants, some other new categories have been created for highly skilled/high value migrants.
Many of the reforms the Government has introduced are in a similar vein to measures adopted or proposed by Labour in the run-up to the 2010 general election (particularly those aimed at minimising abuse). Notable differences are the proposed Border Police Command and the 'caps' (limits) for certain categories of economic migrant.
This note focuses on objectives set by the Home Office and the UK Border Agency. Reforms led by other government departments are also directly affecting persons within the immigration and asylum system, such as changes to civil legal aid.
Net migration fell from 247,000 in the year to June 2011 to 163,000 in the year to June 2012. This is the lowest net migration estimate since the year to December 2008, when net migration was also 163,000.
Contents
1 The big picture: reducing net migration, focussing on the 'brightest and best'
2 Action taken so far
2.1 Economic migration
2.2 International students
2.3 Family migration
2.4 Asylum
2.5 Article 8 ECHR
2.6 Moving from temporary to permanent immigration status and citizenship
2.7 Illegal immigration and enforcing removals
2.8 Promoting integration
2.9 EU migration and cooperation with EU policymaking
2.10 UK Border Agency: resources and reorganisation
3 Changes in migration levels since May 2010
4 Monitoring Government actions: some useful sources
1 The big picture: reducing net migration, focussing on the 'brightest and best'
The May 2010 Coalition Agreement document gave the first indication of the Coalition Government's plans for immigration and asylum policy:
The Government believes that immigration has enriched our culture and strengthened our economy, but that it must be controlled so that people have confidence in the system. We also recognise that to ensure cohesion and protect our public services, we need to introduce a cap on immigration and reduce the number of non EU immigrants. [1]
The Coalition Agreement listed some particular actions which the Government intended to take (discussed in section 2 below). There was no explicit commitment to reduce net migration levels to the "tens of thousands" a year (which had been in the Conservative Party's 2010 General Election manifesto), although it has been referred to in successive versions of the Home Office Business Plan since May 2010. [2]
Ministerial speeches and statements have set out the Government's intentions in greater detail.
In a speech made on 7 September 2010, Damian Green, then Minister for Immigration, highlighted his desire to develop measures which are "smart" rather than simply "tough", and influenced by evidence rather than "emotion and prejudice." [3] Drawing on Home Office research findings, he pointed to a need to apply "steady downward pressure on many routes to long-term immigration." [4]
This was reiterated in the Home Secretary's speech on immigration, made on 5 November 2010. Arguing that immigration under Labour had been "out of control", Theresa May set out why the Government wants to reduce net migration levels:
Between 1997 and 2009, net migration to Britain totalled more than 2.2 million people. That is more than twice the population of Birmingham. (...)
And public confidence has been undermined further by the individual stories of abuse of the system. (...)
While the right type of immigration can stimulate growth, badly managed migration has led to serious social impacts in some areas, with pressure being placed on key public services such as schools, the health service, transport, housing and welfare.
And it also led to many more difficult to quantify social impacts, like the segregation we see in too many of our communities. This created community tensions and helped contribute to a society that is not as integrated as we would like. [5]
Theresa May argued that it is possible to "attract more of the brightest and the best at the same time as we reduce the overall number", by being more selective about the criteria for entry. In her concluding remarks she pledged that the Government would reduce net migration from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands. [6]
On 14 April 2011 the Prime Minister made a high-profile speech on immigration. One of the points he made was that the scale of demand for migrant labour in recent years underlined the need for welfare reform:
The real issue is this: migrants are filling gaps in the labour market left wide open by a welfare system that for years has paid British people not to work.
That's where the blame lies - at the door of our woeful welfare system, and the last government who comprehensively failed to reform it.
So immigration and welfare reform are two sides of the same coin. [7]
The Prime Minister stated that the Government was "on track" to meet the aim of reducing net migration to tens of thousands a year. However, speaking on the BBC Politics Show a few days later, the Deputy Prime Minister sought to clarify that reducing net migration levels to the tens of thousands is not a specific Government policy objective:
...the Prime Minister said it was an aspiration, an aim. It's not in the Coalition Agreement, and I don't think anyone is suggesting that what we should be doing is pursuing fixed numerical targets on immigration. (...) He is making an estimation about what the outcome might be of the policies that we are implementing. It is not a Coalition Government objective to pursue one numerical target. [8]
More recently, the Government has sought to emphasise the broader objectives behind its efforts to reduce net migration levels; namely, establishing a 'selective immigration system'. In a February 2012 speech on 'Making immigration work for Britain', Damian Green explained:
Our first priority has been, and remains, to get the system back under control, to get the numbers down and keep them down. We have laid the foundations for a sustainable system. Now we shall shape it, to make it work for Britain. The main point I make today is that everyone who comes here must be selected to make a positive contribution. That is at the heart of our commitment to reduce net migration. We have talked in the past about a Points Based System. In the future it will be more accurate to talk about a contribution-based system. Whether you come here to work, study, or get married, we as a country are entitled to check that you will add to the quality of life in Britain. There are people who think that all immigrants are bad for Britain. There are also people who think that all immigrants are good for Britain. To move the immigration debate on to a higher level let's take it as read that they are both wrong, and that the legitimate question in today's world is how can we benefit from immigration. [9]
A December 2012 speech by the Home Secretary on 'An immigration system that works in the national interest' set out the range of measures that the Government has introduced in pursuit of this objective.
Limiting numbers of skilled non-EEA workers
• See Library standard note 05922 April 2011 changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points-based system and indefinite leave and UKBA news update, 'Changes to the Immigration Rules come into effect on 6 April 2012', 5 April 2012
The Coalition Agreement stated that the Government would introduce an annual limit on the number of non-EU economic migrants admitted into the UK to live and work. [10] Following a public consultation, and temporary interim limits introduced in July 2010, the annual limits on non-EEA economic migration came into effect on 6 April 2011. [11] Three immigration categories are currently affected by annual limits. [12]
The limit for Tier 2 (General) visas (which are for skilled non-EEA workers with a firm job offer) was set at 20,700 for 2011-12, and is to remain unchanged for future years unless a future Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules provides otherwise. [13] The limit, which has been undersubscribed, applies to 'new' workers applying from overseas. Skilled migrant workers already in the UK, and workers recruited to fill jobs with salaries over £150,000 are not counted as part of the limit. In addition, Tier 2 visas have been restricted to 'graduate-level' jobs.
The Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa category, launched in August 2011, is for "scientists, academics and artists who have achieved international recognition, or are likely to do so." [14] 1,000 visas are available in each financial year. [15]
The Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa category, launched in April 2012, enables international graduates identified by their higher education institution as having "world-class" innovative ideas or entrepreneurial skills to remain in the UK after graduation to develop their ideas. 1,000 visas were available in 2012-13. In financial year 2013-14 there will be 900 places for international graduates in any subject, and an additional 1,000 places for MBA graduates. In addition, UK Trade and Industry will be allocated 100 places for sponsoring 'elite global graduate entrepreneurs' (i.e. persons who have not studied in the UK). [16]
Various other changes have been made to the conditions attached to highly-skilled and skilled work visas (Tiers 1 and 2 of the points-based system):
• Tier 1 (General) - the visa category which enabled highly skilled migrants to enter the UK without a job offer - has been closed to new applicants. The Government considered that it had not been effective in attracting highly skilled workers. UK Border Agency (UKBA) sampling indicated that "a sizeable proportion" (29%) were working in unskilled employment roles in the UK. [17]
• The eligibility criteria and conditions attached to Investor and Entrepreneur visas have been relaxed, in an attempt to encourage more to come to the UK.
• There have been successive reductions in the number of jobs listed on the 'shortage occupation list', in line with advice from the Migration Advisory Committee.
• The occupation codes and minimum annual salary thresholds for Tier 2 (General) visas have been updated. [18]
• Various changes have been made to the eligibility criteria and conditions have been introduced for Intra-company Transfer visas (such as by raising the minimum qualifying salary threshold). See Library standard note 05752 Immigration: Intra-company transfers.
Restricting workers' entitlement to stay permanently
• See Library standard note 06037 Immigration: permanent settlement reforms (workers) and UK Border Agency news release, 'Automatic settlement for skilled workers to end', 29 February 2012
New maximum lengths of stay have been introduced for some skilled and temporary workers (i.e. Tiers 2 and 5).
In addition, in order to be eligible for permanent settlement, some Tier 2 migrants will be subject to a new requirement to earn at least £35,000 per annum. This will affect persons applying for settlement after April 2016, but will not apply to scientists and researchers doing PhD level jobs, and workers filling vacancies on the shortage occupation list.
In addition, migrant domestic workers are no longer eligible for permanent settlement.
• See Library standard note 04786 Immigration: migrant domestic workers
Changes to Tier 4 visa conditions
• See Library standard note SN/HA/5999 Immigration: Tier 4 (student visa) reforms
Following a public consultation, in March 2011 the Home Secretary announced a comprehensive set of reforms to student visas (Tier 4 of the points-based system). [19] The changes were implemented gradually between April 2011 and the end of 2012.
The reforms were in response to concerns about abuses of student visa provisions by disreputable education institutions and persons who primarily wish to live and work in the UK rather than study here. The Government considered that private educational establishments and persons studying below degree-level courses posed the greatest risk of abuse. The changes introduced new restrictions on which types of student can work during their studies or bring their dependent family members to the UK, how long students can stay in the UK, and the circumstances in which they can 'switch' into an employment category. Education providers have had to meet more demanding requirements in order to be eligible for a licence to sponsor international students. The student visa changes are generally building on measures introduced by the previous government.
In July 2012 the Government announced that, following a successful pilot, it was introducing a 'targeted interview system' for up to 14,000 student visa applicants, in order to assess whether they are 'genuine' students. In December 2012 the Home Secretary announced that this would be radically extended in 2013-14, to over 100,000 interviews, and that interviews would also be used for other categories of visa applicant in the future. [20]
• See UK Border Agency news release, 'New interviews for students', 9 July 2012
Post-study workers
• See Library standard note 05881 Immigration: Tier 1 (post study work) visas
The Tier 1 (Post-study work) visa enabled foreign graduates to work in the UK, for up to two years, after obtaining a UK degree. If they found skilled or highly skilled work during the two years they could 'switch' into Tier 1 or Tier 2 of the points-based system, which in turn gave a route to permanent settlement.
The post-study work visa category closed to new applicants on 5 April 2012. The Government considered that it undermined the idea that student visas are for temporary migration rather than permanent settlement. It doubted whether it ensured that skilled non-EEA graduates moved into skilled occupations (because many were using it to do low-skilled work), and questioned whether giving foreign graduates open access to the UK labour market was appropriate at a time of high graduate unemployment.
Since April 2012, international graduates have been able to stay in the UK to work if they have a graduate level job or training offer (by 'switching' into Tier 2 or Tier 5 of the points-based system), or if they have a strong business proposition (under new provisions for 'graduate entrepreneurs'). However, from April 2013, PhD students will be allowed to stay in the UK for twelve months after they have completed their studies before having to find a job or set up a business. [21]
• See Library standard note SN06353 Changes to Immigration Rules for family members
Since 29 November 2010 persons applying for leave to enter or remain as the spouse or partner of someone settled in the UK have been required to provide evidence of their basic command of English (speaking and listening), by showing that they have passed a UKBA-approved English language test. [22] The Government considers that this will "protect the economic well-being of the UK, for example by encouraging integration and protecting public services." [23] The Labour Government had previously announced similar plans, scheduled to come into effect from summer 2011. [24]
In July 2012 a comprehensive set of reforms to family-related immigration categories came into effect. [25] With limited exemptions, British citizens/settled persons wishing to sponsor their non-EEA national spouse/partner to join them in the UK must demonstrate a minimum gross annual income of £18,600 (more if they are also sponsoring dependent children). New foreign spouses/partners must wait longer before they become eligible to apply for permanent settlement in the UK (five years rather than two as previously), and a new approach to assessing the 'genuineness' of the relationship has been introduced.
In addition, more restrictive eligibility criteria have been introduced for adult dependent relatives of British citizens or settled persons who wish to settle in the UK.
Family visitor visa appeal rights have been restricted to a smaller range of applicants, with effect from July 2012. The Government intends to abolish the full right of appeal in family visitor visa cases during the 2012-13 session, through provisions in the Crime and Courts Bill [HL].
• See Library standard note SN06363 Immigration: Family visitor visa appeal rights
The Government repealed the legislation underpinning the 'certificate of approval' scheme, which had been introduced by the Labour Government in a bid to deter 'sham marriages' but was found by the courts to be unlawful. However, it continues to prioritise enforcement activities to deter 'sham marriages'. [26]
The Coalition Agreement stated that the Government would explore ways to new improve the current asylum system to speed up the handling of cases. [27] An 'Asylum Improvement Project' was launched in summer 2010, to test a range of pilot schemes for improving the speed, quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the asylum determination process, with a view to being implemented nationally where appropriate by December 2011. [28] The UKBA published a progress report for the project in May 2011. [29]
The Government has replaced the previous target to conclude new asylum applications within six months of their submission with "a new set of performance indicators designed to show the overall health of the asylum system". [30] These will include information on intake, decisions taken within 30 days, quality of decision, grant rate, percentage of decisions overturned at appeal, conclusions at 6, 12, 18 and 36 months, number and age profile of outstanding caseload, asylum support costs, productivity, and unit cost.
The UKBA has completed its substantive work on the 'case resolution exercise', which was launched under the previous government to review and conclude all unresolved pre-2007 asylum claims. [31]
The Coalition Agreement included a commitment not to enforce the removal of asylum seekers who would be at risk of persecution on account of their sexual orientation. The UKBA has since published guidance for its caseowners on how to assess asylum claims based on the applicants' sexual orientation. [32]
• See Library standard note SN05618 Asylum: Claims based on sexual identity.
A new process has been introduced for enforcing the removal of families refused permission to stay in the UK, in order to implement the Coalition Agreement commitment to end the detention of children for immigration purposes. In the event of an unsuccessful application, families are encouraged to make a voluntary departure from the UK, following a 'case conference' with UKBA staff. Those who do not leave have their removal arranged by the UKBA, but are able to continue to live in the community whilst preparing for removal and make a self-check-in at the airport. As a last resort, non-compliant families may be held for 72 hours prior to departure in a new style of family friendly secure "pre-departure accommodation."
• See Library standard note SN/HA/5591 Ending child immigration detention. [33]
The Immigration Rules have been amended in order to fill a gap in the provisions for recognising statelessness. [34]
• See Library standard note SN06355 Article 8 of the ECHR and immigration cases
Following a public consultation, the Government changed the Immigration Rules in July 2012, in order to include detailed reference to the factors to be considered to weigh in favour or against an application to remain in the UK based on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Previous versions of the Immigration Rules had referred to the need to respect the ECHR, but did not seek to codify the factors that should be considered when assessing whether removal/deportation was proportionate under Article 8. In February 2013, citing dissatisfaction with the way that Immigration Judges have interpreted the amended Rules, the Home Secretary indicated that she would bring primary legislation "that will specify that foreign nationals who commit serious crimes shall, except in extraordinary circumstances, be deported." [35]
2.6 Moving from temporary to permanent immigration status and citizenship
'Permanent settlement' ('Indefinite Leave to Remain') entitles a person to live and work in the UK with no time restriction. The Government believes that it has been "too easy" for migrants to move from temporary residence to permanent settlement in the past.
Some initial changes to the eligibility criteria for settlement were made in April 2011. [36] These introduced a requirement for applicants to be free from any unspent criminal convictions at the time of applying. Additional requirements on salary level and proof of English language ability were also introduced for highly skilled and skilled workers.
In April 2012 further restrictions on some non-EEA skilled workers' eligibility for permanent settlement were introduced (discussed in section 2.1 above). Since July 2012 non-EEA spouses of British/settled persons only become eligible for permanent settlement after five years' residence.
From October 2013, migrants applying for permanent settlement in the UK will have to satisfy a more demanding 'knowledge of language and life in the UK' requirement. They will be required to pass the 'Life in the UK test' and have intermediate speaking and listening skills (CEFR level B1).
A substantially revised 'Life in the UK' test, which has a greater focus on British history and culture, comes into effect in late March 2013. [37] The test is taken by migrants applying for permanent settlement or naturalisation as a British citizen.
From 13 December 2012, the criteria for assessing 'good character' in naturalisation applications changed, so that criminal convictions are considered against a new set of sentencing limits, rather than with reference to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, as previously. [38]
2.7 Illegal immigration and enforcing removals
The Government confirmed its support for e-Borders and the reintroduction of exit checks in the Coalition Agreement. e-Borders was launched under Labour with cross-party support. [39]
A joint UK-France declaration on cooperation in measures against illegal migration and human trafficking was agreed in November 2010.
The UKBA has contracted the private contractor Capita to contact on its behalf foreign nationals who UKBA records indicate may be living in the UK without valid immigration status, to inform them of the requirement to leave the UK. [40] It has also launched a national 'Allegations Management System' to better track allegations of immigration crime made by members of the public. [41]
The UKBA has conducted several high-profile enforcement operations, such as 'Operation Mayapple' to remove visa overstayers during summer 2012, and 'Operation Nexus' which posts immigration officers in police custody suites in order to identify foreign national offenders liable for removal from the UK. [42]
The level of English language ability required for leave to enter/remain in various immigration categories has been increased, including for spouses/partners, students, and workers.
The Home Office has stopped funding the Refugee Integration and Employment Services project, which aimed to promote the integration of persons granted asylum in the UK. The Government has stated that the UKBA is working with the voluntary sector to identify "practical, cost neutral, solutions to address the integration needs of refugees." [43]
In summer 2010 the Department for Communities and Local Government confirmed that the Migration Impacts Fund, which provided funding for local community projects to manage the transitional impacts of immigration, would be terminated. [44]
The Department for Communities and Local Government published details of the Government's approach to integration in February 2012. [45] It emphasises that integration of migrants is primarily an issue for local authorities to deal with, rather than a matter for central government.
2.9 EU migration and cooperation with EU policymaking
EU migrants' rights to enter and live in the UK are based on European law. The Government intends to maintain the transitional restrictions on Bulgarian and Romanian workers' 'free movement' rights for the maximum seven year period that their EU accession treaty allows. A ministerial Cabinet committee is considering migrants' access to public services and benefits (including illegal migrants and EEA nationals), in order to identify and address 'pull factors' for migration to the UK in advance of the ending of the transitional restrictions at the end of 2013. [46]
The Coalition Agreement stated that in the event of future EU enlargement, the Government would seek to impose transitional controls on new Member States' freedom of movement rights. [47] Transitional restrictions will be applied to Croatian workers when Croatia joins the EU in July 2013. [48]
In relation to EU cooperation on asylum and immigration matters, the Government has taken decisions to 'opt-in' to measures where it is deemed to be in the UK's best interests to do so (as the Labour Government also did), but has stated that its preference is for measures which enhance "practical cooperation" between Member States rather than further legislation. [49] The Government has agreed to table an annual report to Parliament on its approach to EU Justice and Home Affairs policy, including the application of the UK's opt-in protocol. [50]
2.10 UK Border Agency: resources and reorganisation
The UKBA's budget is being reduced by up to 20 per cent by 2015, and its headcount will fall by around 5,200. [51] It intends to make a greater use of technology and computer-based systems in order to improve its efficiency and productivity. [52]
The Border Force, which is responsible for entry controls and customs functions at UK borders, split from the UKBA and became a separate organisation with effect from 1 March 2012. [53] The UKBA remains responsible for asylum and immigration casework, in-country enforcement activity and immigration operations overseas.
In addition, the Crime and Courts Bill [HL] includes provisions to establish a dedicated Border Police Command, as part of a new National Crime Agency. The Government believes that establishing a Border Police Command will improve coordination of border control and security operations.
The Crime and Courts Bill also includes measures to increase Immigration Officer's powers to tackle serious and organised immigration crime.
3 Changes in migration levels since May 2010
The Office for National Statistics long-term international migration estimates of net migration are produced quarterly, with detailed breakdowns of the figures provided for migration in each calendar year. Both immigration and net migration were lower in 2011 than in 2010, although the difference was not statistically significant.
However, the provisional estimates of immigration and net migration in the year to June 2012 were significantly lower than in the year to June 2011, which indicates that both immigration and net migration are now falling:
• Immigration fell from 589,000 in the year to June 2011 to 515,000 in the year to June 2012. This is the lowest immigration estimate since the year to December 2003, when 511,000 people migrated into the UK.
• Net migration fell from 247,000 in the year to June 2011 to 163,000 in the year to June 2012. This is the lowest net migration estimate since the year to December 2008, when net migration was also 163,000. [54]
4 Monitoring Government actions: some useful sources
Library standard note SN03845 Sources of social statistics: Immigration, asylum and migration provides an overview of the key statistical sources. Standard note SN06077 Migration Statistics contains recent and historical data on immigration, emigration and net migration in the UK.
The Home Office Business Plan 2011 – 2015, available from the Number 10 website, lists the Government's specific policy objectives on immigration and asylum, the implementation timetable, and progress made so far. The UKBA's Business Plan 2011 - 2015 provides a more detailed overview of its "core objectives and values".
The Government's mid-term review of the Coalition listed the main immigration reforms introduced since May 2010, including progress made in reducing net migration levels, and identified some further plans for reforms (reflected in section 2 of this note). [55]
Regular announcements on immigration and asylum policy, including a bi-monthly stakeholder newsletter, details of public consultations, and Statements of Changes in the Immigration Rules, are available from the UKBA website.
The Home Affairs Committee frequently takes evidence from Government Ministers and senior officials on issues relating to immigration and asylum policy and practice, and has conducted several inquiries on related matters during this parliament. From time to time other Parliamentary Committees undertake inquiries which also deal with related issues.
The independent Migration Advisory Committee publishes regular research for the Government on migration issues (particularly economic migration).
The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the efficiency and effectiveness of the UKBA and Border Force.
The National Audit Office also regularly scrutinises the work of the UKBA.
(End)
[1] HM Government, The Coalition: Our programme for government, May 2010, ref: 401238/0510
[2] The Conservative Party, Invitation to join the Government of Britain, April 2010, p.21
[3] Home Office, Damian Green's speech: the real immigration question, 7 September 2010
[4] Home Office, Research report 43 The Migrant Journey, September 2010
[5] Home Office, The Home Secretary's immigration speech, 5 November 2010
[6] Some detailed plans for change were set out in her oral statement on controlling migration: HC Deb 23 November 2010 c169
[7] BBC News, In full: David Cameron immigration speech, 14 April 2011
[8] BBC News, Nick Clegg on immigration policy and Vince Cable comments, 17 April 2011
[9] Home Office speeches, 'Making immigration work for Britain', 2 February 2012
[10] HM Government, The Coalition: Our programme for government, May 2010, ref: 401238/0510
[11] EEA - European Economic Area (EU Member States plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein)
[12] There have been longstanding fixed quotas in place for certain other immigration categories (SAWS scheme, SBS scheme, Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) scheme)
[14] HC Deb 23 November 2010 c169
[15] The annual limit will automatically renew each financial year unless a Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules provides otherwise (HC 1039 of 2012-3)
[16] UKBA update, 'Changes to the Tier 1 (Graduate entrepreneur) route', 14 March 2013. The annual limit will automatically renew each financial year unless a Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules provides otherwise (HC 1039 of 2012-3)
[17] UKBA, Points-based system Tier 1: an operational assessment, 16 November 2010
[19] HC Deb 22 March 2011 cc855 - 872
[20] Home Office, An immigration system that works in the national interest, 12 December 2012
[21] UKBA update, 'Rule changes announced for students', 14 March 2013
[22] Cm 7944 of 2010-11. There are exceptions for nationals of majority English speaking countries, persons with academic qualifications taught in English, applicants from countries where there is no approved test centre, over 65s and persons with certain physical/mental conditions.
[23] HC Deb 30 November 2010 cc770-1W
[24] UKBA website [National Archive version], Earning the right to stay: A new points test for citizenship, July 2009
[25] UKBA, Family migration - a consultation, July 2011
[26] Library standard note SN/HA/3780 Immigration: Abolition of the Certificate of Approval to Marry requirement contains background information.
[27] HM Government, The Coalition: Our programme for government, May 2010, ref: 401238/0510
[28] See HC Deb 15 November 2010 cc545-6W for further details. Implementation timetable as per Home Office Business Plan 2011-2015, May 2011.
[29] UKBA, Asylum Improvement Project Report on Progress, 26 May 2011
[30] Home Affairs Committee, Government Response to the Committee's 4th Report of Session 2010-12 HC 1027 16 May 2011, p.5-6
[31] See Library standard note SN04439 Asylum 'legacy' cases
[32] UKBA, Asylum Policy Instruction 'Sexual orientation issues in the asylum claim '(v4.1 accessed 22 June 2011)
[33] HC Deb 16 December 2010 cc125-7WS
[35] "It's MY job to deport foreigners who commit serious crime - and I'll fight any judge who stands in my way, says Home Secretary", Mail on Sunday [online], 17 February 2013 (accessed on 28 February 2013)
[36] HC 863 as amended by HC 908
[37] UKBA news update, 'New life in the UK handbook published today', 28 January 2013
[38] UKBA news release, 'Changes in the assessment of good character in citizenship applications', 9 January 2013
[39] See Library standard note SN/HA/5771 The e-borders programme
[40] UKBA news update, 'Capita Business Services contacting overstayers in the UK', 16 January 2013
[41] HC Deb 27 February 2013 cc484-5W
[42] UKBA news update, 'Operation Nexus results in more than 175 removals', 3 January 2013
[43] HC Deb 15 March 2011 cc227-8W
[44] Se Library standard note SN/HA/5725 Migration Impacts Fund
[45] DCLG, Creating the conditions for integration, 21 February 2012
[46] HC Deb 4 December 2012 c410WH
[47] HM Government, The Coalition: Our programme for government, May 2010, ref: 401238/0510
[48] Library Research Paper RP 12/64 European Union (Croatian Accession and Irish Protocol) Bill [Bill 76 of 2012-13]
[49] HC Deb 9 December 2010 cc43-46WS
[50] HC Deb 21 January 2011 c56WS. The first annual report (Cm 8000) was debated on 22 June 2011: GC Deb 22 June 2011 cc103-118
[51] HC Deb 24 November 2010 c301W
[52] HC Deb 22 November 2010 c75W
[53] HC Deb 1 March 2012 c43WS
[54] Further information on the provisional estimates for the year to June 2012 can be found in the ONS Migration Statistics Quarterly Report for February 2013.
[55] Cabinet Office, The Coalition: together in the national interest, January 2013