Passport exit checks will begin on 8 April at UK ports and borders

From 8 April, exit checks will take place at all airports and ports in the UK. Information that is included in passports or travel documents will be collected for passengers leaving the country on scheduled commercial international air, sea and rail routes.

The data collected will be provided to the Home Office to give the most comprehensive information on whether those who enter the UK leave when they are supposed to. The information will improve ability to identify and further tighten the immigration routes and visas that are most vulnerable to abuse.

Exit checks data will help to target people who have overstayed their visas and are in the UK illegally. For example, the new powers can be used under the Immigration Act 2014 to remove their driving licences and prevent illegal overstayers from opening bank accounts.

While predominately an immigration and data tool, the checks will also improve security by helping the police and security services track the movements of known or suspected criminals and terrorists, supporting the wider work across government and our law enforcement agencies.