Today's Home Office related coverage includes articles on the Government's plans to double the number of visas available under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route, a HM Inspectorate of Prisons' (HMIP) report on the Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre and a judgement by the European Court of Justice regarding the spouses of EU nationals with dual British citizenship.
'Exception talent' visa offer
The Times, Telegraph and City AM report on the Government plans to double the number of visas available under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route to 2,000. The Telegraph describes the offer as a "significant boost for British start-ups", while the Times and City AM quote the Prime Minister as saying that the techology industy has the "full backing of Government".
Writing in Computer Weekly, the Home Secretary says that the Government wants to ensure that the most highly talented technology and digital experts from overseas can work in the UK.
More on this announcement is available on Gov.uk
HMIP report on Yarl's Wood
The Guardian and the Independent cover a report by HMIP on the Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre.
The Independent leads on HMIP's finding that the majority of women held at the centre are later released into the community. The Guardian reports that the Inspectorate found the atmosphere at Yarl's Wood to be calmer than two years ago, although it still had concerns over the handling of cases.
A Home Office statement on the HMIP report can be found below.
A Home Office spokesperson said:
Detention and removal are essential parts of effective immigration controls. It is vital these are carried out with dignity and respect and we take the welfare of our detainees very seriously.
We welcome the Chief Inspector of Prisons’ recognition that improvements have been made at the centre and we are taking action to address the recommendations.
ECJ judgement on dual citizenship
A judgement by the European Court of Justice on EU nationals with dual citizenship and their spouses is covered by the Times and Daily Mail.
The Times reports that the ruling means EU nationals who acquire British citizenship can bring their non-EU spouses and partners to the UK. The newspaper quotes an immigration lawyers as saying that the UK will have to amend its approached "very quickly" as a result.
A Home Office statement on the judgement can be found below:
A Home Office spokesperson said:
We are reviewing the judgment and carefully considering its impact.