Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January to Question 142016 on Immigrants: Coronavirus, what comparative assessment the Government has made of the effect on the transmission rate of covid-19 of the decision to (a) to continue in-person reporting of migrants to immigration reporting centres during the covid-19 lockdown announced in January 2021 and (b) the decision to close immigration reporting centres during the covid-19 lockdown announced in March 2020; and what assessment she has made of the effect of those decisions on migrants.

Initially, there was a temporary suspension on in-person reporting for those who would otherwise be required to report, which was applied from 17 March 2020. Following the introduction of large-scale testing and a reduction in the rates of transmission, and in light of the scientific advice as to the measures that could be implemented to enhance public safety, reporting centres then re-opened, initially through two pilot schemes commencing on 20 July 2020, and then through other centres. COVID-19 risk assessments and safe systems of working were introduced, together with other safety measures, including, where appropriate, an adjustment of the time slots for reporting.

Following the introduction of further national restrictions in November 2020 and January 2021, the Home Office’s approach was reviewed and revised again, as reflected in the latest COVID-19 interim guidance, “Reporting and offender management – interim guidance” (Version 2.0, 25 January 2021)

Significant changes have been made to bail conditions, and in particular to reporting requirements, in light of the evolution of the current pandemic. Based on recent data, only a very small percentage of the reporting population are currently required to report in-person as a condition of bail at this time

The position is kept under on-going review, having regard to public health considerations as well as the public interest in the maintenance of immigration control.