United Kingdom - July 2006 Immigration News Headlines

UK illegal immigration amnesty will not go ahead

Published on: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 23:39:43 GMT

An amnesty for illegal immigrants has been ruled out by ministers at the end of a review of UK border controls. Immigration Minister Liam Byrne asked officials to report on the issues surrounding the controversial idea. Now he has rejected the move and instead will unveil plans for "fair but tough" enforcement of existing rules. Meanwhile, campaigners for an amnesty have said it is unrealistic to think that about half a million "irregular migrants" can readily be deported.

When John Reid became home secretary in May he said the Immigration and Nationality Directorate was "not fit for purpose" and ordered a review of how things were done.

His criticisms followed the crisis over more than 1,000 foreign prisoners who were released without being considered for deportation.

An immigration chief also admitted little effort was made to track down illegal immigrants who lose touch with the authorities.

'Tools for the job'

Mr Byrne said the review of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) was almost complete.

"We can say that we will be ruling out an amnesty and will be instead bringing forward plans over the next two weeks for fair but tough enforcement of the rules," he said.

"We'll not only strengthen our people but the tools they have to do the job."

Mr Byrne stressed the immigration department had made progress, with asylum applications down 72% from their 2002 peak and more failed claimants being deported.

"That didn't happen by accident. It took a lot of people a lot of hard work," he said. "We will be pressing on, not going backwards."