Under the UK Borders Act 2007, the Home Secretary must consult members of the public before re-issuing the code of practice about the sanctions for non-compliance with the biometric registration regulations.

When non-EU citizens living in the UK have their leave extended to more than 6 months, the Home Office gives them biometric immigration documents (BID).

From February 2015, the Home Office will also start giving BIDs in phases ... to non-EU citizens who’ve applied successfully from overseas for leave to enter the UK for more than 6 months. This extension complies with the European Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002.

The current code of practice only covers applications for a BID from within the UK. The code needs to be updated to include:

• overseas applicants
• the requirement to collect the BID from a post office
• sanctions for people who fail to collect

Collecting the BID

Successful applicants must collect the BID from a post office branch as soon as possible after they arrive in the UK. This makes sure that:

• the applicant receives the best customer service
• security standards are high

During the application process, applicants will be guided to a post office branch that is very close to wherever they plan to stay in the UK.