Overview

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill aims to strengthen the UK's borders, reform the asylum and immigration systems, and enhance the prevention of serious crime. It introduces a Border Security Commander to coordinate efforts across various agencies, creates new offenses related to facilitating illegal immigration and serious crime, and modifies existing legislation regarding detention, appeals, and the use of biometric information. The bill also repeals parts of the Safety of Rwanda Act 2024 and the Illegal Migration Act 2023.

Description

The bill is structured in four parts. Part 1 (Border Security) establishes a Border Security Commander responsible for coordinating border security activities across different government agencies, setting strategic priorities, and reporting annually to Parliament. It also introduces new offenses related to supplying, handling, and collecting information for use in immigration crime, and expands powers to search electronic devices of individuals who have entered the UK illegally. Significant provisions include information sharing between HMRC and other agencies, and the taking of biometric data from evacuees.

Part 2 (Asylum and Immigration) repeals the Safety of Rwanda Act 2024 and parts of the Illegal Migration Act 2023. It also amends legislation regarding immigration advisers, deportation procedures, conditions on leave and bail, and the EU Settlement Scheme, clarifying and extending the rights of EU citizens and their families. It introduces timeframes for the determination of certain appeals.

Part 3 (Prevention of Serious Crime) introduces new offenses concerning the possession, import, manufacture, and supply of items that could be used in serious crimes, including 3D-printed firearm templates and vehicle concealment compartments. It also introduces serious crime prevention orders, including the use of electronic monitoring.

Part 4 (Miscellaneous and General) validates previously charged fees related to qualification recognition and assessment and includes financial provisions and general regulatory powers.

Government Spending

The bill will likely increase government spending due to the establishment of the Border Security Commander's office, the expanded enforcement powers, the new offenses and their associated prosecution costs, and the implementation of electronic monitoring under serious crime prevention orders. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Individuals attempting illegal entry into the UK: Face increased penalties and expanded search powers.
• Asylum seekers: Affected by the repeal of parts of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 and changes to appeal processes.
• Immigration advisers and service providers: Subject to new regulations and potential sanctions.
• Law enforcement agencies: Given expanded powers and responsibilities related to border security and serious crime prevention.
• HMRC: Involved in increased data sharing related to customs functions.
• EU citizens and their families: Clarification regarding rights under the EU Settlement Scheme.
• Individuals convicted of serious crimes: May be subject to electronic monitoring and other restrictions under serious crime prevention orders.

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