Draft Immigration Bill published

Draft Immigration Bill published

The Draft Immigration Bill, aimed at simplifying and consolidating immigration laws, was published on 12 November 2009.

Under the Bill, the five categories of leave that migrants may currently apply for when seeking entry to the UK will be replaced by one ‘immigration permission’, which can either be temporary or permanent. The temporary permission will be given to those visiting, working or studying in the UK and will be subject to conditions. Currently, migrants are able to vary the duration or purpose of their leave but, under the Bill, a new immigration permission would have to be sought if the purpose or duration of their leave is to be changed.