The United Kingdom's government has proposed the implementation of a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system to strengthen the country's border controls. The proposed system would be designed to register the entry and exit of people coming into and leaving the United Kingdom. It would be modeled after the ESTA digital visa system in the United States and would determine whether a person should be permitted to enter the country or not. This would be the first time the UK has implemented such a system, allowing accurate counting of the number of people entering and leaving the country. The program is expected to process about 30 million applications each year.
The ETA system is part of the UK government's efforts to tighten border controls and prevent individuals who seek to abuse the country's hospitality from entering. According to Home Secretary Priti Patel, the system would work for the "law-abiding majority" and against those who "attempt to abuse our hospitality and generous spirit." The ETA system would enable UK authorities to identify potential threats before they reach the country's borders, ensuring the safety and security of UK citizens.
The proposed ETA system would make it easier for the UK authorities to identify travelers who may pose a risk to national security or have a criminal record. The system would be a valuable tool in keeping the UK safe and secure from threats both at home and abroad. The new system would also be applied to arrivals from European Union countries, except those with the right to live in the UK.
The UK government plans to launch the ETA system in the future as part of its commitment to making entry entirely digital by 2025. The system's implementation would provide citizens with confidence that the country's borders have the strongest controls in place to keep them protected and safe.
In addition to the ETA system, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is also being implemented in Europe. The ETIAS is an electronic system designed to register the entry and exit of travelers from countries who do not need a visa to enter the borderless Schengen area. The ETIAS permission is required for all third-country citizens planning to travel to Europe for short-term stays of more than 90 days.
However, some critics have raised concerns that the implementation of the ETA and ETIAS systems may be used to deport people seeking international protection back to their countries of origin in Europe. They have stressed that such an initiative is inhumane and incoherent. The European Union has also expressed opposition to any bilateral agreements that facilitate the deportation of refugees from the UK.
In summary, the implementation of the ETA and ETIAS systems is part of the UK and European governments' efforts to strengthen border controls and enhance national security. While there are concerns about the potential negative impact on refugees and asylum seekers, the systems are necessary to identify potential threats before they enter the country and keep citizens safe.
