| answer text |
<p>Keeping the UK’s border secure is our priority. The decisions to expand ePassport
gate eligibility and remove the requirement to complete a landing card were taken
after careful consideration and in consultation with security partners across Government.</p><p>Landing
cards were primarily used to collect statistics and not used for routine security
checks. The Government remains reassured, on the basis of direct expert engagement,
that this change will not impact on border security. The additional nationalities
that can now benefit from use of the ePassport gates were identified as suitable based
on a variety of factors, including immigration abuse, security, cooperation on border
matters and prosperity.</p><p>Analysis has shown that allowing these additional nationalities
to use the ePassport gates provides them with more efficient entry into the UK, whilst
not significantly increasing waiting times for existing ePassport gate users. The
change will also significantly improve manned queue times, at certain ports and at
certain times for other passengers.</p><p>Both changes are being closely monitored
to ensure that we understand and can adapt to any impact they may have, including
on queue times.</p>
|
|
