Points-based immigration undermined by lack of exit checks

6.13.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th May 2008

Commenting on today's announcement by the Government of the details of its points-based immigration system, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"Today's announcement is undermined by the minister's persistent failure to reintroduce exit checks. It is all very well having strict rules governing visas but how are they to be enforced if no one checks whether visitors are leaving the country when they are supposed to?

"The points-based system has grown out of unprecedented levels of illegal immigration and a criminal underestimation of the amount of migrants from Eastern Europe.

"There is also a serious concern that Tier 5 could serve as a bureaucratic barrier to the active recruitment of migrant workers, such as for sporting events.

"The Government has to demonstrate that its new commitment to border security and cracking down on illegal employers is more than just a flash in the pan."