03.04.08
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith launched the new UK Border Agency (UKBA) - the merged customs and immigration operations - at a press conference at Gatwick today.
The new agency merges 25,000 Immigration Agency, HM Revenue & Customs and UK Visa staff spread over 135 countries in to one organitation. It will focus on combating smuggling, immigration crime and border tax fraud. Ms Smith said its ability to use all the powers of the organisations it is replacing would strengthen the country's borders.
A £1 billion electronic border system will be rolled out before the end of the year, which will allow immigration, customs and police checks against visitors to the UK. Until then, the new agency's integrated border system will only been implemented in a small number of larger airports across the country.
Ms Smith said: ‘The creation of the UKBA and the targets we have set [for deportations and drugs seizures] shows the Government's commitment to keeping the UK border secure. This new agency will work both in the UK and across the globe to tackle smuggling of goods and people to the UK.’
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