UK Immigration and Nationality Directorate

As part of the Home Office, the Border and Immigration Agency, previously known as the UK Immigration and Nationality Directorate, is responsible for Immigration control. They also consider applications for permission to stay, citizenship and asylum. Below, in greater detail, is a list of the BIA's functions.

Immigration

They consider applications from people who want to come to the UK to work, do business, visit relatives, take a holiday or settle permanently.

Nationality

They decide applications from people who want to become British citizens.

Asylum

They determine applications from asylum seekers, granting refugee status to those whose fears of persecution are well founded and integrating them swiftly into our society. They run the National Asylum Support Service which provides accommodation and subsistence to destitute asylum seekers while their claims are being considered. Removing people from the UK when their claims fail is another priority.

Border control and entry clearance

Last year, UK Immigration Officers facilitated the arrival of nearly 90 million passengers in the UK, more than 12 million of whom were subject to immigration control. Eurostar passengers now pass through UK Immigration control before they embark for the UK. With the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, they run Ukvisas. Working from British Diplomatic Posts overseas, Ukvisas staff decide applications from people who need to get permission to enter the UK before they travel.

Law enforcement

As well as framing the immigration laws, they are responsible for enforcing them. They also work to fight organised people traffickers. They work closely with the authorities in other countries, gathering intelligence and mounting operations.

Appeals

They share targets with the Department for Constitutional Affairs, the department with responsibility for the Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA).