Inspection report published: An inspection of the Future Border and Immigration System benefits realisation (March – July 2026)
The Independent Chief Inspector comments on the inspection report on the Future Border and Immigration System benefits realisation following its publication.
The Future Borders and Immigration System (FBIS) programme is a major Home Office initiative to modernise how people interact with the UK immigration system, while aiming to improve security, efficiency, and customer experience.
The inspection, which was conducted between March and July 2026, examined the realisation of eight benefits arising from, and enabled by, FBIS. The inspection found that many benefits – such as the implementation of Electronic Travel Authorisations and eVisas – have already been successfully delivered, transforming the passenger experience. Further work is now needed to ensure responsibility for continued benefits delivery is clear, and to capture and embed the best practice demonstrated by FBIS.
Delivering a transformed digital contactless border is wider than the scope of FBIS and will continue beyond programme closure. Two linked challenges remain: firstly, transforming infrastructure across ports with the cooperation of owners, carriers and operations staff, and secondly, changing Border Force working practices, culture, and skills to deliver efficiencies and workforce reductions.
The inspection report recommends that the Home Office should build upon the work of Border Transformation by providing a robust platform for long-term benefits delivery. Without this, there is a risk that programme benefits may be lost among business-as-usual priorities, including wider Spending Review reductions. A portfolio or Task Force approach is recommended to coordinate activity across the Migration and Borders system to fully realise a transformed digital contactless border, building on existing achievements and momentum.
The inspection report contains three recommendations and was sent to the Home Secretary on 21 July 2026. I am pleased that all three recommendations have been accepted in full and that the work to implement these recommendations is under way.
John Tuckett, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
15 September 2026