Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department extended the visas of all individuals for whom it...
Conclusion
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department extended the visas of all individuals for whom it was difficult to seek visa extensions or return home. The Department told us it was unlikely to apply another blanket extension beyond the end of July 2020 and would instead look on a case-by-case basis.61 The Committee of Public Accounts has previously reported concerns that the Department did not take seriously the risks of making “life- changing decisions” on people’s futures based on “incorrect data from systems that are not fit for purpose”.62 We asked the Department how it could ensure it avoids similar mistakes that would affect someone’s future immigration status. The Department recognised that its data systems in the past would not have been capable of keeping track of such cases, but it assured us that it would take a careful approach and make itself available to anyone who felt they were not being given adequate support.63
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: November 2020 6.2 The department is focused on delivering the new points-based immigration system by January 2021 with two routes, Student and Child Student, having already been launched. Preparations have been made across the entirety of the department involving operations, policy, commercial, communications, IT and legal advisers, and there is a high level of confidence that everything is in place for launch of the new system. 6.3 The department’s plans to deliver the new immigration system are subject to independent scrutiny, support and guidance by the Cabinet Office Infrastructure Projects Authority and Government Internal Audit and Assurance. 6.4 The department is building upon the success of the EUSS, which has operated with the aim of reducing the burden upon applicants. It offers three ways for applicants to prove their identity, including the innovative EU Exit Identity Document Checking App. Such innovation, along with building on best practice, streamlined processes and other technology enhancements, will form an integral part of the points-based system. 6.5 The department is committed to fulfilling its public sector equality duties under s149 of the Equality Act 2010. An overarching equality impact assessment (EIA) for the future points-based system was published in July 2020. This will continue to be iterated as new policies are developed. 6.6 The department recognises the challenge of delivering significant change while managing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the department is clear the timetable cannot be delayed, not least because the future points-based system is integral to the UK’s economic recovery from COVID- 19.