To: Dr Shirley Williams
From: Alan Johnson
Due to a rising number of inquiries from people seeking to change their status in the UK, the government has announced that it is to open a College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to provide guidance and advice.
Borrowing the examples of Migration Advisory Committee, Cabinet Office and Home Office guidance, the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants will help keep up to date the issues and procedures people are encountering in each stage of changing their status in the UK.
In addition, the College will train and develop the skills of immigration and citizenship consultants so that they can give appropriate guidance and information to those who need it.
Dr Shirley Williams, a close friend of the Dame, said “Citizenship is a precious gift which should not be put into the service of anyone in want. It is therefore welcome news that the government is opening the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. It is a common sense service which has the potential to benefit many individuals who desperately want to emigrate but who are currently stuck in limbo. I urge the College to help make the changes necessary in our current difficult social and economic circumstances.”