IAS: Immigration laws need simplifying

Biometic identity cards will be mandatory for foreign residents

Friday, 26, Jan 2007 12:00

The Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) has called for a simplification of immigration laws, on the day a new borders bill is to be announced by the government.

Chief executive Keith Best said: "IAS continues to call for an overarching consolidation or simplification bill which will bring together all the confusing different legislation which has been introduced over the last few years – nine major acts of parliament affecting immigration in the last 14 years."

He added: "Even the immigration judiciary declares itself to be confused and the plethora of legislation has created a complexity which means that anyone now needs to take competent legal advice."

The bill will make identity cards mandatory for non-EU British residents and post more immigration officers overseas to make pre-emptive checks on travellers to Britain.

Mr Best also called for better legal advice for applicants and legalisation of illegal workers already present in the UK.