On 20 April, we announced that from 17 May, employers would be required to revert back to face to face and physical document checks as set out in legislation and guidance. However, we published an update to this on 12 May, announcing the decision to push back the date for physical document checks to resume from 21 June.<\/p>
After consulting extensively, we understand that many employers will not be in a position to return fully to the office until 21 June in line with the UK Government\u2019s roadmap to ease lockdown restrictions in England and those of the devolved administrations.<\/p>
The COVID-19 adjusted checking process was a temporary measure and we made clear to employers that we would end it in line with the lifting of social distancing measures.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4503", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chris Philp"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Croydon South"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chris Philp"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-05-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-05-19T14:25:48.897Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Migrants: Employment"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department\u2019s decision to return to physical right to work checks from 17 May 2021, what assessment her Department has made of the potential public safety implications of the decision; and if she will publish the evidential basis for that decision.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4488", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Martyn Day"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Linlithgow and East Falkirk"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Martyn Day"} ], "uin" : "364"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312951", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312951/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Home Office\u2019s online right to work checking service has been in operation for over two years. It enables employers to undertake free digital checks on prospective migrant employees with a biometric residence permit or card, status under the EU Settlement Scheme or the new Points-Based System. The online service relies on real-time information from the Home Office about an individual\u2019s status and checks can be undertaken remotely.<\/p>
<\/p>
The online right to work checking service is part of our wider ambition to develop a border and immigration system which is \u201cdigital by default\u201d, including providing evidence of immigration status. We are increasingly replacing physical and paper-based products and services with accessible, easy to use online and digital services.<\/p>
<\/p>
In March 2020, we introduced the COVID-19 temporary adjusted right to work and rent measures, which allow for remote checking for those individuals, such as British citizens, who cannot use the online right to work checking service. These measures were intended to be in place for a limited period, as they do not provide fully secure digital verification. The adjusted process allows document checks to be undertaken remotely, via video call, rather than face-to-face and for scanned copies of documents to be provided.<\/p>
<\/p>
We recognise the benefits this process has brought to employers and are mindful of the potential shift towards increased hybrid and remote working as the future model of many businesses. We consulted with our employer stakeholder groups on the use of the adjusted process and our review found the ability to undertake remote checks on all employees, not just migrant workers, has been beneficial.<\/p>
<\/p>
Consequently, we are now evaluating the potential for introducing a permanent digital option using specialist technology, including Identity Document Validation technology (IDVT) for those who cannot use the online checking service. This work will include consultation with representatives from employer groups based in the UK about the value of such technology in carrying out right to work checks, whilst maintaining the security and integrity of our system in the long-term.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4503", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chris Philp"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Croydon South"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chris Philp"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-05-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "366"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-05-19T09:25:31.973Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Migrants: Employment"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will publish feedback from its recent consultation with stakeholders on digital right to work checks.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4488", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Martyn Day"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Linlithgow and East Falkirk"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Martyn Day"} ], "uin" : "365"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312952", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312952/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Home Office\u2019s online right to work checking service has been in operation for over two years. It enables employers to undertake free digital checks on prospective migrant employees with a biometric residence permit or card, status under the EU Settlement Scheme or the new Points-Based System. The online service relies on real-time information from the Home Office about an individual\u2019s status and checks can be undertaken remotely.<\/p>
<\/p>
The online right to work checking service is part of our wider ambition to develop a border and immigration system which is \u201cdigital by default\u201d, including providing evidence of immigration status. We are increasingly replacing physical and paper-based products and services with accessible, easy to use online and digital services.<\/p>
<\/p>
In March 2020, we introduced the COVID-19 temporary adjusted right to work and rent measures, which allow for remote checking for those individuals, such as British citizens, who cannot use the online right to work checking service. These measures were intended to be in place for a limited period, as they do not provide fully secure digital verification. The adjusted process allows document checks to be undertaken remotely, via video call, rather than face-to-face and for scanned copies of documents to be provided.<\/p>
<\/p>
We recognise the benefits this process has brought to employers and are mindful of the potential shift towards increased hybrid and remote working as the future model of many businesses. We consulted with our employer stakeholder groups on the use of the adjusted process and our review found the ability to undertake remote checks on all employees, not just migrant workers, has been beneficial.<\/p>
<\/p>
Consequently, we are now evaluating the potential for introducing a permanent digital option using specialist technology, including Identity Document Validation technology (IDVT) for those who cannot use the online checking service. This work will include consultation with representatives from employer groups based in the UK about the value of such technology in carrying out right to work checks, whilst maintaining the security and integrity of our system in the long-term.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4503", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chris Philp"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Croydon South"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chris Philp"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-05-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "365"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-05-19T09:25:32.04Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Migrants: Employment"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans her Department has to host a further consultation with stakeholders on the future use of digital right to work checks; and whether her Department has plans to seek representations from employers based in the UK on the effect of those checks on their operations.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4488", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Martyn Day"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Linlithgow and East Falkirk"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Martyn Day"} ], "uin" : "366"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312980", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312980/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
We will continue to issue Notices of Intent in line with the Immigration Rules and our published policy. It is right that we consider inadmissibility action and explore all reasonable removal options where there is evidence that someone applying for asylum in the UK was in a safe third country and already has been: granted asylum; had a claim for asylum rejected as unfounded; or had reasonable opportunity to claim asylum there but failed to do so.<\/p>
The published policy is clear that this consideration is not open-ended: in broad terms, a case must be admitted for substantive consideration in the UK asylum system if it is concluded that there are no reasonable prospects of an EU state, including France, or any other safe country, agreeing to the person\u2019s return, or if no such agreement has been secured within a maximum of 6 months. (This 6-month timescale does not apply to the period after a country agrees to an individual\u2019s return, during which time practical arrangements for the removal will be confirmed and, if necessary, enforcement action taken.)<\/p>
This system will not introduce significant delays either for individuals entering the asylum system, or the asylum system as a whole.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4503", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chris Philp"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Croydon South"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chris Philp"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "280"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-05-18T08:04:24.453Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum: Deportation"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will cease issuing Notices of Intent to asylum-seekers and revoke those already issued in response to authorities in (a) France and (b) other EU states declining to agree a bilateral agreement with the UK on the return of people seeking asylum.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4393", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stuart C McDonald"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Stuart C McDonald"} ], "uin" : "279"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312981", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312981/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
We will continue to issue Notices of Intent in line with the Immigration Rules and our published policy. It is right that we consider inadmissibility action and explore all reasonable removal options where there is evidence that someone applying for asylum in the UK was in a safe third country and already has been: granted asylum; had a claim for asylum rejected as unfounded; or had reasonable opportunity to claim asylum there but failed to do so.<\/p>
The published policy is clear that this consideration is not open-ended: in broad terms, a case must be admitted for substantive consideration in the UK asylum system if it is concluded that there are no reasonable prospects of an EU state, including France, or any other safe country, agreeing to the person\u2019s return, or if no such agreement has been secured within a maximum of 6 months. (This 6-month timescale does not apply to the period after a country agrees to an individual\u2019s return, during which time practical arrangements for the removal will be confirmed and, if necessary, enforcement action taken.)<\/p>
This system will not introduce significant delays either for individuals entering the asylum system, or the asylum system as a whole.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4503", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chris Philp"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Croydon South"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chris Philp"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-05-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "279"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-05-18T08:04:24.517Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential effect of delaying asylum determinations for people issued with a Notice of Intent on the number of outstanding asylum cases.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4393", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stuart C McDonald"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Stuart C McDonald"} ], "uin" : "280"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312982", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312982/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
An equality impact assessment covering the inadmissibility rules changes will be published in the near future.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4503", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chris Philp"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Croydon South"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Chris Philp"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-05-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-05-19T16:15:24.277Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Home Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-05-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Asylum: Equality"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will publish a policy equality statement in respect of the inadmissibility rules published in December 2020.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4393", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stuart C McDonald"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Stuart C McDonald"} ], "uin" : "281"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312983", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Home Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1312983/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Figures on the number of asylum application decisions made in the first quarter of 2021 are due to be published on 27 May 2021. We are working to bring inadmissibility data in line with current reporting and hope to publish that information in the same timeframe.<\/p>