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Written question asked by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 October 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 November 2017. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Monday, 6 November 2017 on behalf of the Home Office.


Undocumented Migrants: Financial Services

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of (1) the Immigration Act 2014, and (2) the Immigration Act 2016, on the access of BAME communities to financial services.

Answer

The Immigration Act 2014 prohibited banks and building societies from opening new current accounts for disqualified persons. The Immigration Act 2016 goes further and prevents existing accounts from being operated by disqualified persons.

There is no risk of discrimination. It is the individual’s immigration status that will decide whether their details are included in the Home Office data shared with banks and building societies. Individuals will only be affected by these measures if they are disqualified persons. Legal migrants who are able to satisfy commercial requirements for opening and operating an account will continue to have access to financial services.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2422
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Undocumented migrants Financial services Ethnic groups
Legislation
Immigration Act 2014
Immigration Act 2016
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk