Overview

The Border Control Bill asserts Parliament's sovereignty over UK borders, strengthens controls on non-UK citizen entry, and introduces a registration certificate requirement for those residing without legal authority. The bill also establishes offenses and penalties for unauthorized entry and presence, including potential deportation.

Description

This bill aims to tighten UK border control. Key aspects include:

• Parliamentary Sovereignty: Reaffirms Parliament's right to control who enters and leaves the UK, overriding previous legislation where necessary.
• Regulation of Entry: Grants the UK exclusive power to regulate non-UK citizen entry and removal.
• Repeal of Section 7 of the Immigration Act 1988: Removes unspecified provisions from the existing Immigration Act.
• Registration Certificates: Mandates registration certificates for non-UK citizens residing without legal documentation after the bill's enactment. The Secretary of State will determine application procedures and criteria.
• Offences and Penalties: Creates offenses for being in the UK without legal authority or failing to apply for a registration certificate after a specified date (30 June 2019 in the Bill), and for entering/attempting to enter without legal authority. Penalties include up to six months imprisonment, fines, and mandatory deportation unless deemed against the public interest by the Secretary of State.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, it will likely lead to increased costs associated with administering the registration certificate process, enforcing the new regulations, and managing deportations. The exact financial impact remains to be determined.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Non-UK citizens residing in the UK without legal documentation: They will be required to apply for registration certificates, facing potential penalties for non-compliance including imprisonment and deportation.
• Non-UK citizens seeking entry to the UK: They will face stricter entry requirements and increased scrutiny.
• Immigration authorities: They will bear the responsibility of implementing and enforcing the new regulations, increasing their workload.
• Courts: They will handle cases related to violations of the new law.

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