Inspector says it would be ‘scandalous’ if monitoring role is empty at the start of Rwanda program

The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration has described it as a “scandal” that the inspectorate role may remain vacant while the Rwanda scheme is introduced.

This comes after The Times reported that his replacement, the independent inspector general, may not be appointed for around six to nine months, although the Home Office hopes to launch flights to Kigali during this period. I believe.

It was revealed last year that David Neil’s three-year term in office would end next month, but he will not be reappointed by the government following a break with his predecessor.

He was highly critical of the idea that ministers could be left without oversight of asylum policy at such a critical time.

“At such a critical time for the country, such important positions remain vacant, even as the government is expected to implement one of the most controversial immigration policies of our time, the Rwanda Policy. What is being done is scandalous,” he was quoted as saying. By paper.

Mr Neil submitted a report to the Home Office earlier this month on social care visas for foreign workers, but it has not yet been published.

From March 11th, overseas care workers will no longer be allowed to bring their dependents with them.

The current system for listing occupations in short supply will also be abolished. This means employers will no longer be able to fill labor gaps by offering jobs 20% below the current rate.

According to the newspaper, Neil’s report raised concerns about the handling of the caregiver visa system and examples of abuse.

A government spokesperson said: ‘Care workers make a vital contribution to society, but immigration is not the long-term answer to social care needs.

“Therefore, the measures expected to be enacted by Congress will reduce the increase in visas granted to overseas care workers and address serious concerns regarding high standards of non-compliance, worker exploitation and abuse in the overseas workforce sector. It addresses concerns.”

“This is why the government has announced that UK healthcare providers can only sponsor migrant workers if they carry out activities regulated by the Care Quality Commission.”

On Sunday, Illegal Immigration Minister Michael Tomlinson said asylum seekers would be sent to Kigali “as soon as possible”, with House of Lords expected to consider the bill again this week.

Mr Tomlinson told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips programme: “We have adopted and are introducing the strongest illegal immigration bill ever put before Parliament.”

“This is tangible evidence of what we are doing.

“Tomorrow the Rwanda Bill will be brought back to Parliament. It was actually on recess and has been in the House of Lords for two days. It will be in Parliament again tomorrow.

“We have another committee day to see if we can put the Rwanda plan in place so planes can take off. That’s my job. That’s my responsibility.”

The legal challenge that led to the Supreme Court finding the plan illegal does not exclude migrants who cross the border without permission.

But since Mr Sunak’s Rwanda policy came into force in July under the Illegal Immigration Act, the Home Office has identified 33,085 people as eligible for deportation.