Points Based Immigration System “is not delivering”

The NAO said that as a result over 180,000 people may have over-stayed their visas. Yesterday, EatOutMagazine.co.uk, reported on how the criteria for migrant chefs has been tightened and workers seeking employment in takeaways will no longer be allowed. The report from the NAO said that the Points Based System was for the most part designed well and that it has attracted skilled applications – although the evidence for this is not robust. In addition, the review said that the UK Border Agency provides "little assurance that it is effectively managing the risk of non-compliance with immigration rules by migrants and their sponsors". The system is meeting the needs of employers but the NAO found that a third of sponsoring employers i.e. restaurants, hotels and pub, struggled to get the information and assistance they need. Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, said today: "The UK Border Agency's Points Based System is not yet delivering its full potential for value for money. While it is well designed and adaptable, the underlying systems and management information are in need of improvement. Customer services do not meet customer expectations and the Agency cannot easily identify and follow up individuals whose visas have expired. "Implementing the radical changes planned for the System in 2011-12 will enable the Agency to reconsider its priorities and improve customer service and its assurance over control systems."