Data Sharing with the UK Visas and Immigration Regarding Children from Abroad

In January 2012, the UK Border Agency (now known as UK Visas and Immigration) wrote to the chief executives of all local authorities in relation to data sharing between the UK Border Agency and local authorities. The letter refers to the establishment of the new Independent Family Returns Panel for the purpose of providing expert advice to the UK Border Agency on the method of removal from the UK. As part of this, the Panel may request information in order that any return plan for a particular family has taken into account any information held by other agencies that relates to safeguarding, welfare or child protection. In particular a social worker or manager from Children’s Social Work Services may be invited to contribute to the Panel.

Click here to view the UKBA letter re Data sharing between UK Border Agency and local authorities.