Immigration minister starts community consultation
03 February 2008
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne has this week kick started a national and international consultation on changes to Britain's visa system.
The Minister will visit India, as well as holding community events in London and across the UK, so he can discuss face to face some of the issues raised by the recent Visitors consultation paper which will run until 10 March.
The changes are part of the biggest shake up to Britain's border security and immigration system in 45 years. Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said:
"I'm clear our visit visa system is out of date. For many legitimate visitors - especially those who want to see loved-ones, it's too hard to get back together.
"Already people are flagging key issues - like reserving bonds for borderline cases only and keeping the time limit for family visas at six months.
"I want Britain's different communities to help me design a system that is slicker and more secure. We've never taken this kind of approach to listening on such a set of changes but I think it's the best way to get the answers right."
Key questions include:
- Do you think the current maximum leave for tourist visitors should be reduced?
- Do you think a separate category for those wishing to visit family in the UK should be created?
- Do you think a sponsor should face a penalty if their family member fails to comply with the conditions of their visa?
- Do you think that the current appeal rights for family visitors should be revised?
A cross party cross faith delegation will accompany the Minister to undertake field research abroad in India.
The delegation includes:
- Dr Rami Ranger MBE (Chairman Indo British Friendship Society);
- Cllr Pritpal Singh (British Asian Conservative Link);
- Cllr Kemal Butt (Muslim Forum Britain);
- Mr. Ahmed Shazad (Chairman BAME Labour Party);
- Mr. Gurpal Gill (Chairman British Multicultural Forum); and
- Parmajit Singh Gill (Former MP now Leicester Liberal Councillor).
The party will tour a visa application centre, meet with representatives from the Indian government and police, the International Punjabi Society, and multinational companies.