Call for evidence on UK border refusals

call for evidence on UK border refusals now open until 20 august 2025

The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) has launched a public call for evidence as part of a new inspection focused on refusals and cancellations of permission to enter the UK.

This is an opportunity for individuals with direct experience or professional insight to contribute valuable feedback. The aim is to better understand how current border processes are working in practice — what’s effective, where challenges exist, and how systems might be improved.

The inspection will explore key areas of border control, including how Border Force officers carry out refusals and cancellations at UK airports, seaports, and juxtaposed controls (border checks outside the UK, such as in France or Belgium). It will also look at the impact of carrier checks on both travellers and transport companies, and how the digitisation of UK borders affects decision-making at the point of entry.

Importantly, the ICIBI is not only seeking policy-level or legal perspectives — first-hand accounts that highlight broader operational or systemic issues are also welcome.

Submissions can cover any relevant topic, even beyond those listed above. The information received will help shape the scope and priorities of the inspection.

This call for evidence is open until 20 august 2025. Contributors should be aware that while submissions may be quoted in the final report, all sources will be anonymised as far as possible to protect identities.

If you’ve experienced a refusal or cancellation of permission to enter the UK — or have supported others who have — and believe your experience reflects a wider issue, your input could help inform future policy and practice.

Those wishing to submit evidence can do so by emailing the Independent Chief Inspector directly.

Note: the ICIBI does not investigate individual cases or asylum applications.