The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration has established the scope for his inspection of the immigration system as it pertains to the agriculture industry in response to the request for evidence launched in May.
According to the Borders Act of 2007, the Chief Inspector must keep track of and report on the effectiveness and efficiency of several aspects of the immigration and border functions carried out on behalf of the Home Secretary. As a result, the scope will only include those locations under the direct control of the Home Office. The inspection will pay close attention to:
- the effectiveness of the immigration routes available for agricultural workers, including through the skilled worker route and the seasonal worker route, to support the UK’s agricultural sector
- the extent and quality of communication and engagement between the Home Office and the agricultural sector
- the effectiveness of compliance requirements on sponsors, and how the Home Office assures itself that sponsors of migrant agricultural workers are upholding requirements, including those relating to worker welfare and employment conditions.
By September, the inspection team hopes to report to the home secretary.