Simplifying legislation, processes and technology

Simplification project - reforming immigration law

The UK Border Agency's Simplification project was set up to take forward the public commitment made in the 2006 review of the immigration system to radically simplify immigration law.

The Immigration Act 1971 is the foundation of the current legal framework, but it was passed in a very different world. Over the last 30 years, subsequent acts have responded to new patterns of migration and misuse. We recognise that the legal framework for immigration has now become complex, and we aim to consolidate and simplify it.

On 12 November 2009 we published a draft Immigration Bill. This bill is intended to:

• replace current immigration acts;
• make it easier for us to make immigration decisions and enforce the law; and
• help migrants understand their position in the United Kingdom.

We have published the draft bill to allow wider scrutiny. Alongside the draft bill itself (which includes a set of explanatory notes about the bill's clauses), we are publishing other documents including:

• a narrative document (command paper) telling the story of the bill - this explains how the changes in the bill will support and enable wider simplification of the immigration system, and describes how the remaining gaps in the draft bill will be filled before it is introduced;
• a draft impact assessment estimating the bill's economic impact - this will be refined further as work on the bill continues;
• a draft equality impact assessment summarising the bill's equality effects - again, this will be subject to further development;
• a rules framework - this outlines our thinking on the reform of the Immigration Rules and guidance, and is being issued for consultation; and
• draft protection rules - these demonstrate how we see protection working under the new law.

You can download these documents by following the link on the right side of this page.

We will introduce the Immigration Bill to Parliament when the Parliamentary timetable allows.

Simplification of immigration law is not an end in itself. Simplification supports and reinforces wider changes to the immigration system. The Simplification project is working closely with the Immigration Case Work programme (see below) to link the simplified legal framework with strengthened and streamlined technology and business processes.

You can email the Simplification project at immigrationsimplification@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.

Immigration Case Work programme

The Immigration Case Work (ICW) programme stems from commitments given in the 2006 review of the immigration system, including commitments to:

• radically overhaul processes to simplify and standardise activities; and
• put in place an electronic case working system and support this with improved information and knowledge management systems.

The vision of the ICW programme is to assist the Home Office and the UK Border Agency in meeting these and other objectives by delivering a world-class caseworking capability. This will be achieved by delivering radically redesigned and simplified processes which take advantage of modern, proven technology to significantly improve efficiency and customer service.

To ensure the best possible solution, ICW will take account of lessons learned from past business change and technology implementation programmes, as well as from good practice in other countries and other organisations. Building on the roll-out of the points-based system, implementation is expected to take place in a phased way, in accordance with the time frames set out in the UK Border Agency's business plan; different parts of the business will take on improved processes and systems at different times. Great emphasis will be placed on initial and ongoing training, to ensure that users are competent in using the new systems.

The programme will need to deliver demonstrable value for money and will explore all of the available procurement avenues - including existing competed government framework contracts and full open competition. Any procurement activity will, of course, comply fully with government and Home Office policy, as well as with relevant legislation. Further information will appear on this website as requirements are developed.

If you want to pass on your ideas or suggestions about how immigration processes and systems can be improved, or if you want to find out more about the ICW programme, you can email the ICW team at ICWProgramme@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.