Passport to get security makeover

Tamper-proof stickers are set to replace the old-style ink stamps on passports under changes outlined by the Home Office today.

The move has come about to counter passport forgery and the new sticker will show that an individual has been given permission to stay in the UK beyond their initial period – in a more secure way.

The new sticker is being phased in across Europe, to ensure that all EU countries have common high standards of document security.

A jointly phased move will also make things easier for people travelling to the UK and ensure the most efficient use of Immigration Service resources.

From November, those travelling from outside the European Economic Area who intend to stay for six months or more will need to apply for permission before they travel. This will speed the arrival of all passengers through ports as these individuals' eligibility to enter the UK will already have been checked.

Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes said: "This new initiative will be help tackle immigration fraud and forgery. Document fraud is big business - we are tackling it head on using new technology. Genuine foreign residents will also benefit by having more robust evidence of their status in the UK to show employers and the authorities.

"The new standard will be adopted right across Europe to help tackle international document fraud. It does not mean we are relinquishing control of our borders in any way.

"We will also require those coming to the UK for more than six months to apply for entry permission before they travel, if they are not a national of an EEA country. This will benefit everyone arriving in the UK and allow us to make the best use of valuable Immigration Service resources."

The stickers will be issued from mid-September 2003 to all non-EU citizens who are granted extensions or variations of stay in the UK. Only EU/EEA citizens and their family members will be exempt.

The issue of a sticker by one EU State does not exempt the holder from complying with the immigration regulations of the other Member States.

The requirement to obtain entry clearances for longer stays will be introduced initially in 10 of the effected countries from November 13 2003. A transitional grace period will run until midnight on 13 January 2004.

(GMcG)