Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 17
17
The Department told us that it works with different parts of the public sector and...
Conclusion
The Department told us that it works with different parts of the public sector and Government, such as the Ministry of Justice, to deliver its immigration enforcement services, and that this cooperation may not appear in its performance data.46 We heard that Immigration Enforcement is providing more opportunities for face-to-face interactions and maintaining contact with people even when they are engaged with other agencies.47 It claimed that this allowed it to make the “right intervention” with those people at a later point.48 35 Qq 35, 63, 102 36 Q 65 37 Qq 8, 103 38 Q 71 39 Q 74 40 Q 76 41 Qq 48, 49 42 C&AG’s Report, para 18 43 Qq 38, 78, 94, 103, 104 44 Qq 38, 102 45 Qq 78, 79 46 Qq 36, 41, 67 47 Qq 41, 68, 81 48 Q 41 14 Immigration enforcement
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2025 4.2 The department has significant plans in place to deliver a more joined-up and end-to-end immigration system. The Borders, Immigration and Citizenship System now has a unified mission, alongside a comprehensive five-year transformation programme that seeks to deliver a modernised immigration system that focuses on the customer journey. 4.3 Digitised application processes - already live for student visas - will improve system coordination, enhance customer experience through simplified rules and remote biometric capture, and provide enhanced management information, ensuring that problems are identified and addressed early. A digital identity capability will enable customers to view and prove their immigration status easily. An integral part of the department’s modernisation programme, shaped by Wendy Williams’ Lessons Learned Review, aims to help drive greater understanding of customer needs and strengthen oversight of customer issues. As noted above, the department is reaching out to those who are affected by the immigration system through ongoing community events and the new Young People’s Board to gain insight and incorporate feedback into policy and process design. 4.4 The department is developing proposals for a fairer and firmer system that deters and prevents illegal migration; delivers more support and a speedy and efficient system for those genuinely fleeing persecution; and facilitates the swift removal of those with no right to remain in the UK. As part of these reforms, consideration will be given to a wide range of options, including the support that claimants are able to access at different points in their immigration journey.