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1122565

	registered interest
	date	24/04/2019
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Elections: Proof of Identity
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	Whether the Government will conduct further voter ID pilots; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	South Thanet
	tabling member printed	Craig Mackinlay
	uin	910485
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/04/2019 answer text <p><strong>The British public deserves to have confidence in our democracy. A diverse range of 10 local authorities have confirmed that they will be taking part in Voter ID and postal vote pilots for the 2019 local elections. The pilots will provide further insight into ensuring the security of the voting process.</strong></p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 24/04/2019 15:13:57 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4529 label Biography information for Craig Mackinlay

1345604

	registered interest
	date	12/07/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Asylum
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What the average length of time is for her Department to process asylum applications.
	tabling member constituency	Manchester, Withington
	tabling member printed	Jeff Smith
	uin	902537
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/07/2021 answer text <p>Calculating an average length of time does not take into account the numerous factors that contribute to the decision-making process. Nor does it consider our prioritisation of children and the most vulnerable.</p><p>We are working to improve the speed of decisions and reduce the number of outstanding claims; but there will always be complex cases, and it is right we take time to work through them carefully, not rush to meet an arbitrary deadline.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 12/07/2021 16:06:05 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4456 label Biography information for Jeff Smith

1270666

	registered interest
	date	14/12/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Biometrics: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps she is taking to ensure that people can enrol their biometric data while covid-19 restrictions are in place.
	tabling member constituency	Orkney and Shetland
	tabling member printed	Mr Alistair Carmichael
	uin	910190
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/12/2020 answer text <p>We acknowledge the impact of global travel and health restrictions on people in, or seeking to come to, the UK.</p><p>As restrictions eased, commercial partner immigration services reopened in a phased and COVID secure way. UK capacity now exceeds pre-covid levels.</p><p>UKVI began reusing existing fingerprint biometrics, for certain UK customer cohorts across summer 2020, allowing customers to progress their applications.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 14/12/2020 15:56:00 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	1442 label Biography information for Mr Alistair Carmichael

1304455

	registered interest
	date	22/03/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Asylum
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps her Department is taking to simplify asylum (a) claims and (b) appeals.
	tabling member constituency	Blackpool South
	tabling member printed	Scott Benton
	uin	913721
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>The Home Office is working to transform the broken asylum system and processes: the work will simplify, streamline and digitise processes, ensuring that genuine asylum claimants are treated quickly, fairly and are supported; and those who do not qualify are rapidly identified and prepared for return.</p><p>As part of this programme of work, the Home Office is working collaboratively with HMCTS on their ambitious programme of court reform.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 22/03/2021 16:37:54 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4793 label Biography information for Scott Benton

1360567

	registered interest
	date	18/10/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Skilled Workers
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps her Department is taking to encourage scientists, engineers, academics and other highly skilled workers to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Ynys Môn
	tabling member printed	Virginia Crosbie
	uin	903777
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/10/2021 answer text <p>Attracting the brightest and best is a key component of our global points-based immigration system.</p><p>Our wide-ranging action to make the UK a preferred destination for global talent, such as scientists, engineers and academics, includes the recently-introduced Graduate route, changes to the world leading Global Talent route, and a new High Potential route, which will launch in 2022.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 18/10/2021 15:18:44 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4859 label Biography information for Virginia Crosbie

1151714

	registered interest
	date	23/10/2019
	answering body	Cabinet Office
	answering dept id	53
	answering dept short name	Cabinet Office
	answering dept sort name	Cabinet Office
	hansard heading	Electoral Register
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps he is taking to ensure that electoral registers are complete.
	tabling member constituency	North Ayrshire and Arran
	tabling member printed	Patricia Gibson
	uin	900093
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/10/2019 answer text <p>The electoral registers for the June 2017 general election were the largest ever at 46.8 million people. Online registration has made registering to vote quicker and easier than ever before. Government’s role is to ensure Electoral Registration Officers have the tools needed to maintain complete and accurate registers.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 23/10/2019 14:32:59 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4435 label Biography information for Patricia Gibson

1126751

	registered interest
	date	15/05/2019
	answering body	Wales Office
	answering dept id	28
	answering dept short name	Wales
	answering dept sort name	Wales
	hansard heading	Tourism and Foreign Investment in UK
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What recent steps the Government has taken to promote (a) inward tourism and (b) foreign direct investment in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Lichfield
	tabling member printed	Michael Fabricant
	uin	910826
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>Last year, over 3000 jobs came to Wales through Foreign Direct Investment, through 57 projects of which 93% were supported by both my department and the Department for International Trade.</p><p>Between 2015 and 2018, the UK attracted more foreign direct investment in capital investment than France and Germany combined.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 15/05/2019 12:38:15 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	280 label Biography information for Michael Fabricant

1345602

	registered interest
	date	12/07/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Refugees: Afghanistan
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What recent progress she has made with the Secretary of State for Defence on implementing the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy.
	tabling member constituency	Haltemprice and Howden
	tabling member printed	Mr David Davis
	uin	902531
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/07/2021 answer text <p>The Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy was implemented on 1 April this year.</p><p>We are working closely with the Ministry of Defence to accelerate the relocation of locally employed staff, and their families, from Afghanistan. A charter flight carrying 117 individuals arrived safely at the end of June, with more to follow this month.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 12/07/2021 16:03:09 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	373 label Biography information for Sir David Davis

1238060

	registered interest
	date	28/09/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Passports: Applications
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What recent progress her Department has made on reducing the time it takes to process passport applications.
	tabling member constituency	Manchester, Withington
	tabling member printed	Jeff Smith
	uin	906730
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/09/2020 answer text <p>The measures put in place to increase capacity for processing passport applications have successfully helped to reduce turnaround times.</p><p>This includes rolling out a new system which increases the ability to process applications from home, and which is now processing almost 60 per cent of UK digital applications.</p><p>On 23 September, the median processing time for passport applications received from the UK was 8 working days<strong>. </strong></p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 28/09/2020 15:24:40 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4456 label Biography information for Jeff Smith

1249407

	registered interest
	date	09/11/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Visas: Ministers of Religion
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What recent discussions she has had with representatives of the Catholic Church on visas for religious workers.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	908420
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/11/2020 answer text <p>This Government recognises the importance of faith across our communities in the UK and we welcome members of religious institutions from around the world.</p><p>I met with representatives of the Catholic Church in July and confirmed that the existing dedicated arrangements for Ministers of Religion and Religious Workers will continue in the future immigration system.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 09/11/2020 16:23:08 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1177188

	registered interest
	date	10/02/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Social Security Benefits: EU Nationals
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on reducing benefit tourism.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	900694
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/02/2020 answer text <p>The Government is clear that benefits should only be provided for the lawful residents of the UK, including migrants who are settled here.</p><p>The Government has taken steps to prevent illegal access to benefits, with those migrants who abuse the UK’s hospitality facing having to repay any benefits obtained. The will also be liable to be refused immigration leave, or having it curtailed, prosecution and removal from the UK.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 10/02/2020 17:17:22 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1238058

	registered interest
	date	28/09/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Migrant Workers: Visas
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What recent assessment she has made of trends in the time taken by UK Visas and Immigration to process one-year visa extensions for healthcare workers.
	tabling member constituency	Ealing, Southall
	tabling member printed	Mr Virendra Sharma
	uin	906724
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/09/2020 answer text <p>Mr Speaker, I would like, with your permission to group questions 30 and 31.</p><p>Up till close on Friday, provisional management information shows we have concluded 5,954 free extensions for eligible healthcare workers and dependents.</p><p>On average, straightforward cases have been concluded within four weeks of receiving necessary information from employers to enable the extension to be undertaken.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 28/09/2020 15:22:42 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	1604 label Biography information for Mr Virendra Sharma

1238059

	registered interest
	date	28/09/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Migrant Workers: Visas
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What recent assessment she has made of trends in the time taken by UK Visas and Immigration to process one-year visa extensions for healthcare workers.
	tabling member constituency	Worsley and Eccles South
	tabling member printed	Barbara Keeley
	uin	906733
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/09/2020 answer text <p>Mr Speaker, I would like, with your permission to group questions 30 and 31.</p><p>Up till close on Friday, provisional management information shows we have concluded 5,954 free extensions for eligible healthcare workers and dependents.</p><p>On average, straightforward cases have been concluded within four weeks of receiving necessary information from employers to enable the extension to be undertaken.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 28/09/2020 15:23:29 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	1588 label Biography information for Barbara Keeley

1223662

	registered interest
	date	13/07/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration Controls: Scotland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What recent assessment she has made of the potential effect of the proposed points-based immigration system on the economy of Scotland.
	tabling member constituency	East Lothian
	tabling member printed	Kenny MacAskill
	uin	904613
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/07/2020 answer text <p>This Government will introduce a points-based immigration system that works in the interests of the whole of the United Kingdom, including Scotland.</p><p>Our future system is designed to drive up wages and productivity across the UK and allow us to bring in the most talented while responding to public concerns about immigration<em>. </em></p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 13/07/2020 15:34:44 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4772 label Biography information for Kenny MacAskill

1284525

	registered interest
	date	08/02/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Tuberculosis: Screening
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What progress she has made on establishing a TB test centre in Northern Ireland to support people applying for a British National (Overseas) visa.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast South
	tabling member printed	Claire Hanna
	uin	911950
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/02/2021 answer text <p>Those who have been in a country at risk of tuberculosis within the last six months must apply for the BN(O) route with a valid TB test certificate. This includes those who have come to the UK via Leave Outside the Rules at the border.</p><p>My officials are working with clinics across Northern Ireland in order to to approve one as soon as possible.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 08/02/2021 16:44:24 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4827 label Biography information for Claire Hanna

1380637

	registered interest
	date	22/11/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Migrants: Health Services
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What progress her Department has made on the reimbursement of the Immigration Health Surcharge for foreign healthcare workers in the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Birmingham, Selly Oak
	tabling member printed	Steve McCabe
	uin	904283
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/11/2021 answer text <p>This government remains committed to fulfilling the PM’s commitment to exempt health and care staff from the Immigration Health Surcharge.</p><p>Thousands of our hardworking health and care workers and their dependents have already received and continue to receive the Immigration Health Surcharge refunds and reimbursements they are entitled to.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 22/11/2021 15:40:19 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	298 label Biography information for Steve McCabe

1270661

	registered interest
	date	14/12/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration Controls
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What progress her Department has made on introducing a points-based immigration system.
	tabling member constituency	St Austell and Newquay
	tabling member printed	Steve Double
	uin	910172
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/12/2020 answer text <p>Mr Speaker the Government has made excellent progress on delivering one of the key promises made to the British people at the last election.</p><p>I am very pleased to say we have now launched a number of new routes under our firmer, fairer, skills-based points-based system, including the flagship Skilled Worker route.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 14/12/2020 15:49:06 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4452 label Biography information for Steve Double

1270662

	registered interest
	date	14/12/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration: Overseas Students
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the effect of changes to the immigration system on the UK's ability to attract overseas students.
	tabling member constituency	City of Durham
	tabling member printed	Mary Kelly Foy
	uin	910174
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/12/2020 answer text <p>The Government welcomes international students and we are committed to increasing their number.</p><p>We recently opened the new Student route, which simplifies and improves upon the previous Tier 4 route, and in summer 2021 we will further improve our offer to international students by launching the Graduate route, which will enable students to work or look for work post-study.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 14/12/2020 15:50:36 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4753 label Biography information for Mary Kelly Foy

1304459

	registered interest
	date	22/03/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Asylum: Penally Camp
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What discussions she has had with Dyfed Powys Police on the cost of policing the asylum seeker accommodation in Penally.
	tabling member constituency	Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
	tabling member printed	Jonathan Edwards
	uin	913750
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>Any police force facing significant additional costs due to unplanned or unexpected events can apply for additional funding from the Police Special Grant.  Dyfed Powys Police made an application, and we will be providing them with up to £2.5m of additional funding.</p><p>Penally has provided emergency capacity in response to pressures put on the asylum estate during COVID. As pressures have eased, we have decided not to extend emergency planning permission beyond this month.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 22/03/2021 16:45:23 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	3943 label Biography information for Jonathan Edwards

1284517

	registered interest
	date	08/02/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration Controls: Brexit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the immigration system since the end of the transition period.
	tabling member constituency	Lanark and Hamilton East
	tabling member printed	Angela Crawley
	uin	911941
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/02/2021 answer text <p>The Government has successfully delivered one of the key promises made to the British people at the last election.</p><p>Freedom of movement has ended and a new points-based system is in place. This means we can attract those people with the skills this country needs to support our economic recovery and build back better.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 08/02/2021 16:29:42 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4469 label Biography information for Angela Crawley

1249404

	registered interest
	date	09/11/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Visas: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What assessment she has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the application process for visa extensions.
	tabling member constituency	Brentford and Isleworth
	tabling member printed	Ruth Cadbury
	uin	908413
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/11/2020 answer text <p>The global travel and health restrictions in the first lockdown impacted our application processes, especially the temporary closure of our biometric collection centres in the UK.</p><p>Subsequently, biometric capture services reopened in a phased and socially-distanced way and alongside this UKVI began reusing existing fingerprint biometrics for individuals where possible.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 09/11/2020 16:15:14 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4389 label Biography information for Ruth Cadbury

1304453

	registered interest
	date	22/03/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Asylum: Temporary Accommodation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the temporary accommodation provided by her Department for asylum seekers.
	tabling member constituency	Aberdeen South
	tabling member printed	Stephen Flynn
	uin	913719
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/03/2021 answer text <p>Contingency accommodation - whether this be hotels across the United Kingdom or at the Napier barracks and Penally training camp - was set up in response to the enormous pressures placed on our asylum system by the coronavirus pandemic.</p><p>We expect the highest standards from providers and have instructed them to make improvements as part of our contract governance and following inspections, an independent audit and the interim report from the Independent Chief Inspector.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 22/03/2021 16:33:49 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4735 label Biography information for Stephen Flynn

1194338

	registered interest
	date	11/05/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Migrant Workers: Visas
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Office, whether the automatic visa extension for frontline health workers extends to people employed in the NHS as healthcare assistants.
	tabling member constituency	Wolverhampton South West
	tabling member printed	Stuart Anderson
	uin	45451
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/05/2020 answer text <p>The Government has announced we will extend the visas for a range of healthcare professionals working for the NHS and independent health and care providers, where their current visa expires before 1 October. This offer also applies to their families. The 12-month extension is automatic and free of charge and those benefitting will not have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Details of immigration changes, including the extended list of healthcare professionals covered by this offer, relating to COVID-19 can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-immigration-and-borders" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-immigration-and-borders</a>.</p><p>We are continuing to work hand in hand with the Department of Health and Social Care on how we can best support frontline health and care workers.<em> </em></p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 19/05/2020 16:24:10 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4742 label Biography information for Stuart Anderson

1192386

	registered interest
	date	01/05/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Civil Partnerships and Marriage: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Office, whether she has plans to suspend notice fees for (a) marriages and (b) civil partnerships for couples that have been required to cancel their wedding as a result of the covid-19 outbreak and whose notice period will expire before the wedding can be rearranged.
	tabling member constituency	Kingston upon Hull North
	tabling member printed	Dame Diana Johnson
	uin	41927
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/05/2020 answer text <p>The notice fee is paid to the local authority and is for the service provided at the time the notice is given. Fees can be reduced, waived or refunded on compassionate grounds or in cases of hardship, and it is for each local authority to determine when this can be applied.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 11/05/2020 16:26:41 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	1533 label Biography information for Dame Diana Johnson

1198497

	registered interest
	date	26/05/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Aviation: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Office, whether people entering the UK on private jets will be required to quarantine for 14 days during the covid-19 pandemic.
	tabling member constituency	Ellesmere Port and Neston
	tabling member printed	Justin Madders
	uin	52111
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/06/2020 answer text <p>From 8 June, all passengers arriving in the UK without having travelled through another part of the Common Travel Area will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, apart from those on a short list of exemptions. This applies to arrivals by all modes of transport, including private jets. This measure will be kept under review.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 08/06/2020 13:32:20 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4418 label Biography information for Justin Madders

1199111

	registered interest
	date	19/05/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Travel: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Office, what review mechanisms she will put in place to assess the (a) effectiveness of and (b) need for a 14-day quarantine period for people arriving at UK airports, ports and other points of entry.
	tabling member constituency	Crawley
	tabling member printed	Henry Smith
	uin	52657
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/06/2020 answer text <p>Public health will always come first. The government will carefully assess the impact of these measures in preventing transmission of coronavirus in the UK.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The need for the restrictions, and the requirements imposed, will be reviewed in line with social distancing measures, currently every three weeks. The first review will be in w/c 28 June.</p><p> </p><p>The Government will consider factors such as SAGE advice, the domestic and international incidence of Covid-19, the level of infection and transmission, emerging scientific evidence for antibody and other screening methods being appropriate for international travel health measures, economic impact, and initiatives being trialled to secure safe travel.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 09/06/2020 13:31:41 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	3960 label Biography information for Henry Smith

1193816

	registered interest
	date	06/05/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Airports: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Office, what recent assessment her Department has made of the merits of the introduction of (a) covid-19 screening measures and (b) quarantine arrangements for passengers arriving at UK airports.
	tabling member constituency	Hornsey and Wood Green
	tabling member printed	Catherine West
	uin	44008
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/09/2020 answer text <p>Our priority is to protect the public’s health, to contain the spread of the virus and prevent a second wave.</p><p>Since 8 June, rules have been in place for entering the UK because of COVID-19. The rules are for residents and visitors. Passengers need to provide journey and contact details when travelling to the UK and will not be allowed to leave the place they are staying for the first 14 days except in very limited situations (known as self-isolation).</p><p>Passengers arriving in the UK are required to self-isolate for 14 days and can be contacted throughout this period to ensure compliance.</p><p>Since 10 July travellers will not have to self-isolate if arriving and staying in England from a country or territory on the travel corridors list. Travellers will still have to provide journey and contact details. You can find the latest Travel Corridors list by following this link:</p><p>https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors.</p><p>Travellers will still be required to self-isolate if they have visited or stopped in any country which is not on the list in the previous 14 days.</p><p>A limited number of exemptions to the measures have been agreed. For example, those travelling in order to maintain essential supply chains, or our national infrastructure or who are contributing to the crisis response will not be required to self-isolate.</p><p>A full list of exemptions to the requirements to provide locator details or self-isolate can be found on GOV.UK at the following link:</p><p>https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules.</p><p>The need for the restrictions is regularly reviewed. The reviews are guided by the scientific advice and consider factors such as the domestic and international incidence of COVID-19, and the level of infection and transmission. The economic impact of the measures, and new initiatives being trialled to secure safe travel, are also considered during these reviews.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 01/09/2020 10:13:46 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4523 label Biography information for Catherine West

1244493

	registered interest
	date	19/10/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration Controls: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Office, on preventing the exploitation of different immigration systems on the island of Ireland post-31 December 2020.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast South
	tabling member printed	Claire Hanna
	uin	105592
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2020 answer text <p>The Common Travel Area (CTA) has never required the UK and Ireland to have entirely harmonised immigration arrangements for non-British or non-Irish citizens. However, everyone entering the UK, regardless of where they enter from, is required to meet the UK’s immigration framework. There is a high level of cooperation on border security to ensure that legitimate travel, including for business, is facilitated while those who intend to abuse the arrangements are prevented from entering.</p><p>The Home Office, Ireland’s Garda National Immigration Bureau and Border Management Unit, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and other police forces work together to tackle abuse of the CTA by conducting intelligence-led checks and enforcement operations. Anyone identified attempting to circumvent UK border controls is liable to be removed, if they are not lawfully present within the UK.</p><p>We also work closely with Ireland to secure the external CTA border, including data sharing and operational co-operation.</p><p>There is a high degree of co-operation between UK Government departments on all aspects of the CTA.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 03/11/2020 11:55:43 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4827 label Biography information for Claire Hanna

1220411

	registered interest
	date	02/07/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration: Hong Kong
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, ​what recourse to public funds she plans to apply to people accepted under the proposed bespoke immigration route for British Nationals (Overseas) passport holders from Hong Kong.
	tabling member constituency	Wigan
	tabling member printed	Lisa Nandy
	uin	68343
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/07/2020 answer text <p>As announced by the Foreign Secretary on 1st July, a new bespoke immigration route will allow BN(O)s to apply to come to the UK without the current 6 month limit, granting them 5 years limited leave to remain, with the ability to live and work in the UK, after which they may apply for settled status and a year later citizenship. This is a bespoke set of arrangements, developed for the unique circumstances we face and in light of our historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong.</p><p>The new route will be implemented in the coming months, with further details to be announced in due course on the simple, streamlined application process which will have no quota on numbers.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 07/07/2020 16:17:16 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4082 label Biography information for Lisa Nandy

1352993

	registered interest
	date	06/09/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Migrant Workers: Wind Power
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the updated guidance on Offshore wind workers Immigration Rules concession 2017 published on 2 July 2021, which operational offshore wind projects are in scope of that concession.
	tabling member constituency	Kingston upon Hull East
	tabling member printed	Karl Turner
	uin	43492
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/09/2021 answer text <p>The concession allows the employment of foreign nationals who are joining vessels engaged in the construction and maintenance of offshore wind projects in UK territorial waters.</p><p>The information about the concession is published online at:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/offshore-wind-workers-immigration-rules-concession-2017/offshore-wind-workers-immigration-rules-concession-2017-july-2021-update" target="_blank">Offshore wind workers Immigration Rules concession 2017: July 2021 update - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)</a></p><p>The Home Office regularly reviews its policies and regularly undertakes engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.</p><p>I frequently engage with colleagues across Government, including those in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on a wide range of issues, including the operation of the immigration system.</p><p>Additionally, the Government has no plans to publish information on individual companies.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster grouped question UIN 43493 43494 43495 43496 question first answered 09/09/2021 14:29:40 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4030 label Biography information for Karl Turner

1347361

	registered interest
	date	15/07/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration: EU Nationals
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the update to the EU Settlement Scheme caseworker guidance on late applications and the section on children in care and care leavers in that guidance, whether care leavers who are aged 18-25 years at the deadline are included in the children in care and care leavers category as having reasonable grounds to make out of time applications.
	tabling member constituency	Manchester Central
	tabling member printed	Lucy Powell
	uin	33932
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/07/2021 answer text <p>In line with the Citizens’ Rights Agreements, there remains scope, indefinitely, for a person eligible for status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to make a late application to the scheme where there are reasonable grounds for their failure to meet the deadline applicable to them.</p><p>We would consider it reasonable grounds for a late application to be made where a local authority failed in its duty to support a care leaver aged 18 to 25 in making an in-time application to the EUSS.</p><p>As made clear on many occasions the guidance published on 1 April is not exhaustive. We will take a pragmatic and flexible approach to cases in light of the particular circumstances of each application</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 20/07/2021 16:34:44 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4263 label Biography information for Lucy Powell

1463586

	registered interest
	date	17/05/2022
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Homes for Ukraine Scheme
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the target set by Lord Harrington of Watford that all Homes for Ukraine Scheme visas will be processed within 48 hours, how many applications her Department approved within that timeframe during the week commencing 9 to 16 May 2022.
	tabling member constituency	Hornsey and Wood Green
	tabling member printed	Catherine West
	uin	3695
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/05/2022 answer text <p>Information on the number of visas granted under the Ukrainian Family Scheme and the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, divided by each local authority can be found in published data on the GOV.UK webpage: <a href="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fpublications%2Fhomes-for-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme-numbers-of-visa-applications&amp;data=05%7C01%7CKeith.Edwards42%40homeoffice.gov.uk%7Cd774f60c0b5841dd6fc608da249107cc%7Cf24d93ecb2914192a08af182245945c2%7C0%7C0%7C637862502555631264%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=VX3iShFYv%2Bf5vd4FcQcODk2CKv3c6OMY6KWo2ZAv10s%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/homes-for-ukraine-sponsorship-scheme-numbers-of-visa-applications</a>)</p><p> </p><p>The Government does not collect constituency-level data on the Ukraine Family Scheme.</p><p> </p><p>In terms of priority, applications are normally processed in date order from when documents were uploaded, or after an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).</p><p> </p><p>However, as part of the Home Office’s commitment to make it easier for applicants to apply to our schemes, Ukrainians with valid passports no longer need to go to a Visa Application Centre to give their biometrics before they come to the UK. This revision to the process can mean applicants who submitted their applications at the same time, but via different biometric routes, may not receive their visas at the same time.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster grouped question UIN 3694 3698 3699 question first answered 23/05/2022 10:37:47 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster previous answer version 1464 answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4523 label Biography information for Catherine West

1338560

	registered interest
	date	21/06/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration: EU Nationals
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the statutory parenting duties and responsibilities the Government has in respect of looked after children and care leavers and the vulnerabilities and challenges they may face, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that (a) looked after children and (b) legally recognised care leavers (i) have completed applications to the EU Settlement Scheme and (ii) are not affected by (A) late and (B) missed applications.
	tabling member constituency	Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
	tabling member printed	Drew Hendry
	uin	19621
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/06/2021 answer text <p>The Home Office is committed to continuing to engage with local authorities as they undertake their responsibilities to ensure all eligible looked after children and care leavers are supported to make an application to the EUSS. The Home Office will ensure caseworkers liaise with and support applicants to get the status they deserve.</p><p>The Home Office remains focused on ensuring all eligible children in care apply in time. It’s recognised however, this vulnerable cohort can change over time, with new children coming into care. We are committed to working with Local Authorities to ensure this work continues after the deadline.</p><p>In line with the Citizens’ Rights Agreement, there remains scope, indefinitely, for a person eligible for status under the EUSS to make a late application to the scheme where there are reasonable grounds for their failure to meet the deadline applicable to them.</p><p>Where a Local Authority has failed by the relevant deadline to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme on behalf of a child under the age of 18, this would constitute reasonable grounds for the child – including where they are now an adult – to make a late application to the scheme when they become aware of this, for example when they first need to demonstrate their right to work in the UK.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 25/06/2021 12:27:51 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster previous answer version 9176 answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4467 label Biography information for Drew Hendry

1216342

	registered interest
	date	22/06/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration: Applications
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the statistics relating to covid-19 and the immigration system, May 2020, published 28 May 2020, what steps her Department is taking to tackle the delays in decisions on immigration applications that have resulted from the covid-19 outbreak, and what the average timeframe is for an immigration decision on (a) a visa application, (b) an application to the EU Settlement Scheme and (c) an asylum application.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	62384
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2020 answer text <p>Immigrations case-working operations have been impacted by COVID-19 and we have continued to make decisions where we have been able to. The re-opening of case-working offices has commenced and all teams are committed to decide applications as quickly as possible. Information on processing times for visa applications is published as part of the Migration Transparency data, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-data.</p><p> </p><p>Due to the digital nature of the EU Settlement Scheme, it has remained open throughout the pandemic for customers able to apply on line using the EU Exit: ID Document Check app.</p><p> </p><p>The current expected processing times are between 5 working days and a month but in some instances may take longer depending on the circumstances of the case and if we need to request further information from an applicant. The extent and length of time taken to complete these enquiries varies according to the prevailing circumstances of each particular application. The expected processing times are based upon current performance and can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-application-processing-times/eu-settlement-scheme-pilot-current-expected-processing-times-for-applications</p><p> </p><p>Additional support is available to those EU citizens in the UK who do not have the appropriate access, skills or confidence to apply online through Assisted Digital, which can offer assistance over the phone.</p><p> </p><p>The Home Office takes the wellbeing of asylum seekers extremely seriously and has already put in place a range of measures to support asylum applicants affected by the covid-19 outbreak. In line with the Home Office’ commitment to protect the health and wellbeing of its staff and applicants as a top priority, Asylum Operations made the decision to cease face to face substantive asylum interviews with effect from Thursday 19th March 2020. Asylum Operations has continued to make decisions where there is enough information on file to allow a decision to be made.</p><p> </p><p>The Home Office remains committed to delivering a fair and humane asylum system and minimising delays to decision making; our ability to interview applicants is critical that that. To keep people safe but allow the Home Office to gather relevant information needed to make a decision on their claim for protection, Asylum Operations have secured additional mobile digital and video interviewing kit that enables more applicants to be interviewed remotely. Substantive asylum interviews will restart as soon we can establish a process that allows the participants - applicants, representatives, interpreters and interviewers - to do so safely.</p><p> </p><p>The Home Office is committed to ensuring that claims are considered without unnecessary delay, to ensure that individuals who need protection are granted asylum as soon as possible and can start to integrate and rebuild their lives, including those granted at appeal. All asylum claims lodged in the UK are care-fully considered on a case by case basis, based on their individual merits, against a background of relevant case law and up to date country information.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 02/07/2020 07:59:52 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1460060

	registered interest
	date	25/04/2022
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Refugees
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the statement on the global migration challenge on 19 April 2022, Official Report, col 25, what the evidential basis is for the figures provided in her statement that the UK has welcomed more than 185,000 people through safe and legal routes, including from Syria, Hong Kong, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and 40,000 people in recent years through refugee family reunion routes.
	tabling member constituency	Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East
	tabling member printed	Stuart C McDonald
	uin	158974
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/04/2022 answer text <p>It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 28/04/2022 10:54:54 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4393 label Biography information for Stuart C McDonald

1420305

	registered interest
	date	07/02/2022
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the statement in the letter dated 1 February 2022 from her Department's MP Account Management Team to the hon. Member for East Ham that we have currently suspended the process of automatically requiring an applicant to complete 10 years on the family route, following the lifting of no recourse to public funds conditions and will instead review their situation in line with the immigration rules at their next application for Leave to Remain, what plans she has to update the online guidance to reflect that change.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	119396
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/02/2022 answer text <p>We are currently reviewing the policy whereby an applicant on the family route who submits a change of conditions application and receives recourse to public funds is then required to complete 10 years on the family route in order to qualify for settlement.</p><p>Pending this review we have currently suspended the process of automatically requiring an applicant to complete 10 years on the family route following the lifting of ‘no recourse to public funds’ conditions, and will instead review their situation in line with the Immigration Rules at their next application for leave to remain.</p><p>We are considering if changes to the online guidance are required.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 10/02/2022 12:53:49 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

1356782

	registered interest
	date	20/09/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Migrant Workers: Food
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the shortage occupation list, what discussions she has had with stakeholders in the food and drink sector on labour shortages in the food supply chain; and what steps she is taking to resolve those shortages in the short term.
	tabling member constituency	Oxford West and Abingdon
	tabling member printed	Layla Moran
	uin	51822
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/09/2021 answer text <p>Home Office Ministers and officials meet with a broad range of stakeholders including various sectors and other Government departments. The Government position remains we will not be introducing a short-term visa route such as the ‘Covid recovery visa’ as has been suggested.</p><p>Most of the solutions are likely to be driven by industry, with a big push towards improving pay, conditions and diversity needed, rather than turning to the Home Office for immigration policy changes as an alternative to doing this. Employers with recruitment issues should therefore engage with the Department for Work and Pensions about the support they can provide in recruiting from the UK Labour Market,</p><p>The Points Based System does provide for occupations within the agri-food sector, including butchers, a range of poultry roles and fishmongers, subject to the requirements of the system – including English language and salary – being met. An occupation does not need to be on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) to be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa</p><p>Beyond the Points Based System, there is the existing UK labour market, which includes those who come to the UK through our Youth Mobility Schemes (which we are looking to expand), our new British National (Overseas) visa for those from Hong Kong, dependants of those arriving under the expanded skilled worker route, as well as over 6 million applications under the EU Settlement Scheme and those who arrive through family routes, who all have access to the UK labour market.</p><p>As a transitional measure, to help farm businesses adjust to changes to the UK labour market, the Seasonal Workers Pilot was extended into this year with 30,000 visas available. Decisions on the future of the pilot will be taken in due course, following evaluation of the scheme.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster grouped question UIN 51821 question first answered 28/09/2021 12:43:52 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4656 label Biography information for Layla Moran

1353294

	registered interest
	date	07/09/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Common Travel Area
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the revised guidance on the Common Travel Area from UK Visas and Immigration, published on 2 September 2021, whether compliance with Border Force requests to produce passports or the other listed identity and nationality documents on Common Travel Area routes is voluntary or compulsory.
	tabling member constituency	North Down
	tabling member printed	Stephen Farry
	uin	44479
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/09/2021 answer text <p>We are phasing out the use of EU, EEA and Swiss national identity cards, with certain exceptions, as a valid travel document for entry to the UK from 1 October.</p><p>As now, there will be no routine immigration controls on Common Travel Area (CTA) journeys and none whatsoever on land journeys between Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, intelligence-led operations to target potential abuse of CTA routes will continue. We want to ensure passengers have sufficient clarity on what they need to do when travelling from one part of the CTA to another, in particular British and Irish citizens who continue to benefit from their important CTA rights.</p><p>We are therefore confirming the documents people will be required to present when entering the UK from another part of the CTA as part of an intelligence-led immigration control if they are encountered by a Border Force officer.</p><p>Border Force asses each case on its individual merits. Those who cannot provide the required documents or satisfy Border Force of their status may be refused entry and expected to leave the UK.</p><p>The full list of updated document requirements are available on the <a href="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fguidance%2Ftravelling-between-the-uk-and-ireland-isle-of-man-guernsey-or-jersey&amp;data=04%7C01%7CSophie.Cosstick%40homeoffice.gov.uk%7C28b0b1648f77472af01d08d972b1ec2b%7Cf24d93ecb2914192a08af182245945c2%7C0%7C0%7C637666930753943084%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=Zop2L99x8Q%2FW1Wk1jOl0E6FQgBRykC1rmd97mV4Pboo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">gov.uk</a> page you refer to.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 14/09/2021 11:12:23 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4856 label Biography information for Stephen Farry

1473222

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2022
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Asylum: Northern Ireland
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the report by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration entitled An inspection of contingency asylum accommodation, published on 12 May 2022, what assessment she has made of the potential implications of the report for Northern Ireland; and whether her Department plans to implement the recommendations of the report in Northern Ireland.
	tabling member constituency	North Down
	tabling member printed	Stephen Farry
	uin	24705
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/07/2022 answer text <p>The department has reviewed the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration’s report internally to understand the impacts of this for our teams and providers and their respective regions, and work on realising the recommendations put forth is already underway.</p><p>The recommendations are estate wide and the department will work to ensure they are followed throughout the entirety of the UK through the well-established assurance and project governance structures, alongside relevant recommendations from previous reports.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 04/07/2022 15:15:04 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4856 label Biography information for Stephen Farry

1438992

	registered interest
	date	08/03/2022
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Asylum: Ukraine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the removal of country policy and information notes on Ukraine from the gov.uk website on 24 February 2022, when her Department plans to to publish updated guidance on claiming asylum from that country.
	tabling member constituency	North Down
	tabling member printed	Stephen Farry
	uin	136697
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/03/2022 answer text <p>We removed our country policy and information notes (CPINs) for Ukraine from GOV.UK on 24 February following the invasion by Russian armed forces as the CPINs no longer fully reflected the situation on the ground.</p><p>We will release updated CPINs shortly.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 31/03/2022 15:09:02 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4856 label Biography information for Stephen Farry

1331214

	registered interest
	date	09/06/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration: EU Nationals
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the regulations for pending applications after the deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), for what reason someone who submitted their EUSS application before the deadline, but are still waiting for a decision after the deadline passes, must additionally demonstrate that they were exercising a right to reside under the EEA regulations 2016 immediately before IP completion day of 31 December 2020 to continue to have a right to work, rent or access welfare benefits; and whether that requirement means that those EEA nationals are being treated differently as a result of the length of time her Department takes to finish processing their application.
	tabling member constituency	North Down
	tabling member printed	Stephen Farry
	uin	13255
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/06/2021 answer text <p>From 1 July, right to work and right to rent checks will change and EEA citizens will be required to demonstrate eligibility through evidence of their immigration status, rather than their nationality.</p><p>EEA citizens who make a successful application to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) are provided with digital evidence of their immigration status, which they can access and share online.</p><p>EEA citizens who have submitted a valid EUSS application by 30 June will be issued with a Certificate of Application. Pending the outcome of their application, they will be able to rely on their Certificate of Application as proof of eligibility to access their right to work or rent when this is verified by the Home Office employer and landlord checking services. The Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue &amp; Customs will also be able to determine an individual’s status with the Home Office using existing services.</p><p>Consistent with the Citizens’ Rights Agreements, the Citizens’ Rights (Application Deadline and Temporary Protection) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 protect the EU law rights held at the end of the transition period of a person who has made an application to the EUSS by the 30 June deadline, pending the outcome of the application (and of any appeal against the decision).</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 18/06/2021 11:50:25 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4856 label Biography information for Stephen Farry

1342989

	registered interest
	date	01/07/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration Controls
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the recommendations of the Global Travel Taskforce report, published in April 2021, what progress has been made on rolling out full e-gate integration across all UK ports of entry to reduce waiting times at the border.
	tabling member constituency	Rutherglen and Hamilton West
	tabling member printed	Margaret Ferrier
	uin	25847
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/07/2021 answer text <p>Border Force continues to work, including with UK Port Operators, to increase the number and effectiveness of ePassport gates</p><p>Annual passenger transactions at the e-Passport gates have grown rapidly since the 1 million recorded in the 12 months of 2009. In the 12-month period from March 2020 to February 2021, the number of passenger transactions at e-Passports gates was 8 Million (8,092,175). This compares to 63 Million (63,095,660) passengers in the corresponding period last year (March 2019 to February 2020), a decrease of 55 Million (55,003,485) due to the current COVID-19 travel restrictions</p><p>In addition to our work on e-Gates referenced in the report, we are also developing Border Crossing systems so Border Force can scan passenger passports and immediately identify whether the passenger has a completed Passenger Locator Form.</p><p>This is to protect the public and the UK's vaccine rollout, as international travel resumes.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 09/07/2021 12:03:59 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4386 label Biography information for Margaret Ferrier

1455081

	registered interest
	date	28/03/2022
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	UK Visas and Immigration: Staff
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the recent allocation of resources to visa application centres, what assessment she has made of when UKVI will have sufficient capacity to tackle the backlog of applications from Ukrainian refugees.
	tabling member constituency	Argyll and Bute
	tabling member printed	Brendan O'Hara
	uin	148221
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/03/2022 answer text <p>We are committed to ensuring our operational teams have the resources they need to run an efficient and effective system, and we actively monitor workflows to ensure sufficient resources are in place to meet demand, including from pressures relating to Ukraine. Over 27,000 visas have already been issued under our two schemes to assist Ukrainians fleeing conflict.</p><p>The Home Office and the commercial provider operating our Visa Application Centres have surged staff across Europe to meet demand, where we can offer over 13,000 appointments to visa applicants, and UKVI staff in the UK are working seven days a week to process applications.</p><p>As part of the Home Office’s commitment to make it easier for applicants to apply to our schemes, since 15 March Ukrainians with valid passports no longer need to go to a Visa Application Centre to give their biometrics before they come to the UK.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 31/03/2022 16:23:49 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4371 label Biography information for Brendan O'Hara

1388131

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2021
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration Controls: Shipping
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the publication of 1 December 2021, Points-based immigration system: delivering on people’s priorities, if she will make an assessment of the impact of the points based system on skilled jobs (a) at sea and (b) on land in the maritime industry.
	tabling member constituency	Kingston upon Hull East
	tabling member printed	Karl Turner
	uin	93748
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/01/2022 answer text <p>Acting upon advice from the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the Government broadened the skills threshold of the Skilled Worker route and introduced a lower salary threshold which – as modelling by the MAC suggests – strikes a reasonable balance between access to labour and controlling immigration.</p><p>Eligible offshore occupations under the Skilled Worker route include engineers, engine room attendants; ferryman; merchant seaman and seaman. Firms can hire overseas workers to fill these roles provided salary and English language requirements are met.</p><p>Furthermore, recognising the important role Deckhands play in the sector, the Government accepted the MAC’s recommendation to add the occupation (for vessels over 9m and for individuals to have at least 3 year’s experience in using their skills) to the Shortage Occupation List.</p><p>Importantly, the Skilled Worker route offers a flexible approach, by having no minimum length of required stay under the visa; workers can leave and re-enter the UK without interrupting the validity of their visa.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 05/01/2022 10:42:35 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4030 label Biography information for Karl Turner

1183509

	registered interest
	date	09/03/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration Controls: Businesses
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the proposed points-based immigration system, when the system will be open for applications from businesses wishing to register.
	tabling member constituency	Romsey and Southampton North
	tabling member printed	Caroline Nokes
	uin	26851
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/03/2020 answer text <p>The Government published “The UK’s Points-Based System: Policy Statement” on 19 February.</p><p>Employers not currently approved by the Home Office to sponsor migrants should consider applying now if they think they will want to sponsor skilled migrants, including from the EU, from early 2021.</p><p>In delivering on its manifesto commitments for a new points-based system, the Government has considered relevant views, evidence, and analysis. We will keep labour market data under careful scrutiny and publish further detail in due course.</p><p>A programme of engagement will begin this month to raise awareness of the new system, ensuring those affected by the changes are fully aware of what it means for them and understand how the system will operate.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster grouped question UIN 26857 question first answered 16/03/2020 16:46:59 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4048 label Biography information for Caroline Nokes

1173610

	registered interest
	date	27/01/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Frontier Workers: EU Nationals
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the powers granted under section 8 (2) of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020, when a scheme for the issuance of Frontier Worker’s documents under Article 26 of the Withdrawal Agreement will be implemented.
	tabling member constituency	Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East
	tabling member printed	Stuart C McDonald
	uin	8337
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/06/2020 answer text <p>Regulations will be made under section 8(2) of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020 protecting the rights of EEA and Swiss citizens who are frontier working into the UK by 31 December 2020 and establishing a scheme to enable them to apply for a frontier worker document to prove their right to enter the UK for work after that date.</p><p>The scheme will be implemented as soon as possible, and further information will be set out in due course.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 30/06/2020 15:16:47 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	4393 label Biography information for Stuart C McDonald

1181383

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration Controls
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the policy statement, the UK's points-based immigration system, published on 19 February 2020, whether her Department has made an assessment of the effect of a points-based system on (a) businesses and (b) the (i) transport and storage, (ii) construction, (iii) hospitality and tourism, (iv) agriculture, (v) food and food processing, (vi) wholesale and retail, (vii) manufacturing, (viii) education, (ix) and arts sectors; and if she will publish impact assessments on those sectors.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	21959
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/03/2020 answer text <p>The Government published “The UK’s Points-Based System: Policy Statement” on 19 February.</p><p>Following advice from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) the Government will reduce the general salary and skills thresholds for those who wish to come to the UK to work. There will also be an element of “tradeable” points which will mean those who do not meet the general salary threshold may still be able to enter the UK if, for example, they have a job in a shortage occupation.</p><p>We recognise these proposals represent significant change for employers in the UK. We will deliver a comprehensive programme of communication and engagement in the coming months to ensure those affected understand the way our new system will work.</p><p>In delivering on its manifesto commitments for a new points-based system, the Government has considered relevant views, evidence, and analysis. We will also keep labour market data under careful scrutiny.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster grouped question UIN 21958 21960 question first answered 05/03/2020 19:56:39 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1181382

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration Controls: Gender
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the policy statement, the UK's points-based immigration system, published on 19 February 2020, whether her Department has conducted a gender-based impact assessment of that policy proposal; and if she will publish that impact assessment.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	21958
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/03/2020 answer text <p>The Government published “The UK’s Points-Based System: Policy Statement” on 19 February.</p><p>Following advice from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) the Government will reduce the general salary and skills thresholds for those who wish to come to the UK to work. There will also be an element of “tradeable” points which will mean those who do not meet the general salary threshold may still be able to enter the UK if, for example, they have a job in a shortage occupation.</p><p>We recognise these proposals represent significant change for employers in the UK. We will deliver a comprehensive programme of communication and engagement in the coming months to ensure those affected understand the way our new system will work.</p><p>In delivering on its manifesto commitments for a new points-based system, the Government has considered relevant views, evidence, and analysis. We will also keep labour market data under careful scrutiny.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster grouped question UIN 21959 21960 question first answered 05/03/2020 19:56:39 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1181387

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Immigration Controls
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the policy statement, the UK's points-based immigration system, published on 19 February 2020, when initiatives for NHS workers will be brought forward; and whether that pathway will include routes for health and social care professionals.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	21961
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/06/2020 answer text <p>The Government is committed to introducing a Health and Care visa which will provide eligible doctors, nurses and other allied health and social care professionals, and their families, with fast-track entry, reduced visa fees and dedicated resource. In addition, as announced by the Prime Minister on 21 May, all NHS workers and wider health and social care workers, including those coming on the NHS Visa, will be exempted from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.</p><p>Further details, including eligibility, will be published in due course.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 30/06/2020 15:32:02 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1181388

	registered interest
	date	27/02/2020
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Migrant Workers
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the policy statement, the UK's points-based immigration system, published on 19 February 2020, what the timescale is for the production and publication of the Migration Advisory Committee’s shortage occupation list; and whether that list will include health and social care workers.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	21962
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/03/2020 answer text <p>We will shortly be commissioning the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to produce a shortage occupation list covering all jobs encompassed by the new skilled worker route, for introduction from January 2021, and to keep the list under regular review.</p><p>It is right the Government waits for the MAC’s recommendations before commenting on whether specific occupations will be included and taking any final decisions.</p> answering member constituency Torbay answering member printed Kevin Foster question first answered 05/03/2020 19:47:22 answering member 4451 label Biography information for Kevin Foster
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas