- Pilot of “contactless” digital border to launch in two years
- Independent Review sets out number of recommendations to
improve Border Force
- Government to trial extending eGates to families with
children over the age of ten
Home Secretary , has set out plans to begin the
rollout of secure “contactless” border crossings, as part of a
wide-ranging announcement on the future of the UK Border.
The Home Office is set to begin testing technologies that would
allow some passengers to enter the UK and undergo automated
border screening without going through an eGate or speaking to a
Border Force officer, helping to speed up legitimate journeys to
the UK.
The passengers would instead undergo pre-screening and be
identified at the border using the latest technology – ensuring
the security of the border and the UK public. The Home Office
aims to begin pilot testing in 2024.
The announcement forms part of the publication of the New Plan
for Immigration: Migration and Border Control Strategy statement,
in which the Home Secretary also announced plans to pilot
extending the minimum age of eGates from 12 to 10 years old. The
move would reduce journey times for British families.
Home Secretary said:
“As Home Secretary I have been focused of taking back control of
our immigration system through my New Plan for Immigration.
“This includes ensuring we have a border that is fit for the
21st century which allows travellers to get a visa and
pass through the border easily, while maintaining national
security.
“I am also committed to ensuring our fantastic Border Force are
given access to the most up to date automation technologies so
they can use their specialised skills on protecting our border
from those who seek to harm the UK.”
The Home Office also today published the wide-ranging Independent
Review of Border Force which the Home Secretary commissioned
former Australian Immigration Minister Alexander Downer to carry
out in February 2022.
Recommendations include:
- A distinct identity and voice for Border Force, within the
Home Office;
- A new Advisory Board to consider the demands placed on Border
Force supported by improved capability planning;
- A single minister for Border Force;
- A refreshed learning strategy and improved career pathways
and training for staff through a Border Force Academy;
- Equity in the workforce to allow delivery of the Border Force
mission.
Mr Downer said:
“Border Force is contending with exceptional challenges,
including people coming to the UK illegally via small boats,
immigration abuse, illegal drugs, firearms, and organised crime
all while protecting our national security.
“Without a doubt everyone I met at Border Force, from the senior
team to operation managers and frontline officers are absolutely
committed to serving the UK and want the organisation to improve
so they can continue being the best at countering current and
emerging threats.
“The recommendations I have made will have a positive impact on
Border Force, making it more resilient to cope with future
challenges while providing them with the direction needed to
create the improvements they need.”
The New Plan for Immigration: Migration and Border Control
Strategy sets out how the digital border will streamline travel,
improve security and position the UK as a world leader in our
approach to legal migration.
The publication of today’s Statement sets the overall strategy
for the next three years, with a focus on improvements to the
end-to-end customer journey and our vision for the future border.
It builds on our existing ambition as set out in the 2025 UK
Border Strategy for the UK border to be the most effective in the
world.
The future border will make it harder for those who pose a threat
to enter the UK and make it easier for those who contribute to
our economy to have a seamless experience through our border.
Our ETA scheme will mean that it is easier for our friends to
come to and contribute to the UK, but harder for those we do not
want to come here. Over the next few years, the government will
bring in more improvements to ensure we continue to have a
world-leading border and legal migration system. These range from
visible changes such as improved customer service before
customers apply and invisible changes such as better targeting at
the border.
Electronic Travel Authorisations will allow more international
visitors to use eGates. Digital Customer Accounts will help
customers applying for visas to have a more streamlined process
with clearer access to eVisas needed for travel.
This new, digital system will mean we will understand more about
the people coming to the UK before they travel, helping to
improve security as well as queue times at the border.
