UK Borders Bill

The BIA runs language training for immigration officers. Immigration officers are encouraged to speak other languages, and translation of our literature is a key feature of our customer interaction. Particularly in the larger volume ports and airports, we try to ensure that there is reasonable and easy access to languages where there is a particular problem or difficulty. We are very proud of that service and we seek to continue to develop it. The noble Lord, Lord Hylton, asked a question about the Republic of Ireland. We have a regular dialogue with the Republic about immigration matters and our respective processes and systems. We have spoken in detail about the Bill. We understand that the Republic is in the process of debating immigration legislation, so the importance of the question is plain. We need to continue that dialogue. The Republic will, no doubt, be seeking our advice and we will benefit from its reflection on what we are trying to do.