LONDON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 17th May, 2019) The United Kingdom has decided to cease to use landing cards, which are filled by travelers upon their arrival from beyond the European Economic Area (EEA), local media have reported, citing the Home Office.
"These changes will enable frontline officers to focus their skills and time on border security issues and on cohorts who present the greatest risk of immigration abuse," Paul Lincoln, the director general of the UK Border Force, which is part of the Home Office, said in a letter to staff, as quoted by Mirror, on Thursday.
Lincoln added that the measure would also help border authorities cope with growing passenger numbers.
According to other UK media reports, the changes are expected to come into effect as of Monday.
Mirror suggested that the UK government would abandon landing cards for passengers arriving in the United Kingdom from seven countries, adding that these travelers would also be able to use e-gates, which were reserved for those coming from EEA, at passport control.
In March, the authorities said that people coming from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Singapore and South Korea would be allowed to use the e-gates beginning in June.
Notably, UK media warned, citing Lucy Moreton, the Immigration Service Union general secretary, that the landing card measure could create security risks.
Sputnik has not immediately obtained a comment from the Home Office on the issue.
