IMMIGRATION

Overhauling the UK's Flawed Visa and Immigration System

We will take the politics out of immigration.

The Visionary Movement’s Immigration policy overhauls the UK’s flawed visa system — streamlining applications to attract visitors and talent, while closing loopholes that enable abuse.

We will simplify processes, strengthen integrity, and ensure fairness, efficiency, and transparency for all legitimate applicants.

Streamlining Processes:

Removing The Barrier To Entry At the moment, France receives eight times the number of affluent Chinese tourists than the UK, with Germany welcoming six times as many.

That's because to visit most countries in Europe, foreign tourists need only apply for a single—Schengen—Visa. The UK requires a separate, and more complicated and intrusive form.

Increasing Efficiency And Integrity Meanwhile, the National Audit Office has identified significant flaws in the UK's visa system, noting that up to 50,000 migrants may have exploited these weaknesses to work in the UK under the guise of student visas.

Source: nao.org.uk

This complexity not only hinders legitimate applicants but also fails to prevent misuse. To address these issues, we must simplify and streamline the visa process, integrating information systems to ensure quick, accurate application processing and easy access when required.

One System, One Solution: Introducing the UK-iPass

We propose a streamlined visa system for all non-UK nationals—a single, all-encompassing card pre-authorised before departure and issued upon arrival in the UK.

The UKi-Pass would serve as the primary form of ID for non-UK nationals in the UK, incorporating the latest in ID verification and payment technology. Designed for flexibility and efficiency, it would facilitate movement, streamline immigration processes, and integrate essential services.

Card issuances would be subject to visa terms and conditions, a regulatory criminal background check, and a connected current bank account with minimum balance requirements.

The UK iPass will make our immigration and visa system fairer, faster, and future-ready.

Key Features:

• Pre-authorised Entry: Approved before departure, issued upon arrival.

• Integrated Financial Services: Linked to a current bank account with a minimum balance requirement.

• Proof Of Insurance: Verified for health and travel coverage.

• Seamless Transactions: Contactless payments up to £250.

• Access To Essential Services: Renting a property, hiring a vehicle, using public transport, and subscribing to service providers.

• State Support Eligibility: Secure access to benefits where applicable.

A Unified System For Greater Efficiency

The UK-iPass would consolidate existing documentation into a single smart card, and could even be adopted by UK nationals, potentially replacing:

• Official UK ID Card

• UK Diplomatic ID Card

• CitizenCard

• Biometric Residence Cards and Permits

• Driver’s Licence

• National Bus and Rail Cards

• National Insurance Card

• NUS Student Card

• UK Global Healthcare Insurance Card

Connecting these services to an individual’s iPass would be optional.

Benefits Of The UK-iPass:

• Cuts Bureaucracy: Reduces costs and inefficiencies in visa and document processing and service administration.

• Prevents Fraud: Ensures eligibility verification and reduces benefits abuse.

• Boosts Tourism: Simplifies entry for all visitors from every country.

• Enhances Security: Ensures all visitors carry valid ID at all times.