Member

I have made the general point that a visa route gives much more scope for assessing whether there is a security issue beforehand—much more than when somebody arrives seeking asylum. The application would have to be made before travel is undertaken. Biometrics have to be provided. ID and the relationship with the sponsor have to be proved. Part 9 of the current rules—and there is no suggestion that they should be changed—deals with general suitability requirements, including when an exclusion order is in place and whether the applicant is a serious or persistent criminal, has broken immigration laws, has made false representations or has sought to deceive the Home Office, and includes the general sweep-up provision that his or her presence would not be conducive to the public good. By proposing a visa route, we are proposing the possibility of management. A system for parents and children to be together does not mean that the border cannot be properly managed.