7: Migration and Immigration

Managing migration and combating illegal immigration

Other Information:

Cross-border migration is growing rapidly. Migrants are drawn to new opportunities by the increasing ease of international travel or are driven by conflict, poverty, human rights abuses and pressures on natural resources. Migration brings economic, social and cultural benefits to the countries sending and those receiving migrants. But it can also provoke tensions in the places large numbers of migrants travel through or where they settle. Illegal migration is often fostered by criminal networks, which exploit migrants. The UK benefits from and welcomes legal migrants. Attracting the migrants we need will be an important factor in maintaining our economic dynamism. We work to make sure our migration policies support development in the countries migrants leave and those they travel through. And we offer asylum to those who need protection. But illegal migration, including abuse of the asylum system by would-be economic migrants, undermines social cohesion and weakens public confidence in the rule of law. International co-operation is central in tackling this issue. Those who have no right to remain in the UK must leave, or face being removed. We expect other governments to take back their nationals who are illegally in the UK. Our visa service, which balances professional service to applicants with effective entry control, is an essential part of the Government’s asylum and immigration strategy. UKvisas brings together staff from the FCO and Home Office to deliver services at home and overseas. As demand for these services rises, increasing productivity and introducing new technologies, such as biometrics (eg fingerprinting), will be vital.

Objective(s):

7.1: Capacity Building

7.2: Immigration Offenders

7.3: Overseas Entry Clearance Service

7.4: Asylum and Illegal Immigration

7.5: Refugees and Displaced Persons

7.6: People Smuggling and Human Trafficking

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