11:11AM, Sep 07, 2009
We're busting the jargon for you...
ABSCONDER: Someone who has failed to report in at their immigration centre after this condition was set by UKBA while they investigated and decided his/her immigration status.
ASYLUM SEEKER: Someone claiming the right to stay in Britain (or another host country) who has a threat to their life or family if they return to their home country.
BIA: Border and Immigration Agency, the previous name for the UK Border Agency before April 1st 2008.
CIO: Chief Immigration Officer, the person responsible for a an investigation/operation.
CHANGE OF PURPOSE: A term used to describe a passenger who has obtained a visa for a particular purpose, but is actually coming to the UK for some other purpose. This term may be used by immigration officers as a reason for refusing a passenger entry to the UK.
CLANDESTINE: The name for someone found on a lorry with the aim to get into Britain without a passport or any other papers.
COUNTERFEIT: Counterfeit in immigration terms usually relates to a false document made entirely from scratch - note this is not the same as a forgery.
FAS: Failed asylum seeker. Someone whose asylum claim has been refused and who has either appealed and failed, or has passed the time limit to use their right of appeal, is known as a 'FAS'.
FNP: Foreign national prisoner.
