Point of view paper

Point of view paper | The digital future of immigration

International travel in some respects, is easier than ever before—yet it still remains complex. Governments continue to add hurdles through new and complex immigration and tax laws, visa regimes, pre-clearance and permission to travel schemes, as they seek to deliver safer journeys and stronger border controls. Moreover, delays for visas and work permits and long queues at Immigration and Customs controls are commonplace around the world.

In this paper, we share and explore our own vision of the future for immigration—a new way of digital immigration control, as designed by our thought leader on immigration, Peter Graham.

It leverages the new digital schemes that governments around the world are introducing. It’s an approach that blends effectiveness with security, and it explores how making digital innovations in immigration can make global travel simpler and easier.

“One of the keys going forward is to start to link disparate solutions into a single overarching customer journey and then to get governments around the world to take the leap to a new digital world of travel facilitation and enhanced security.” Peter Graham, Director of Visa and immigration, Santa Fe Relocation.

Authors

Peter Graham

Director of Visa and Immigration Services, Santa Fe Relocation

Now in his 30th year working in the field of Immigration, Peter’s career spans both government and private sector work. Peter spent 17 years at the UK Home Office working in both national and international immigration policy and strategy where he had the opportunity to work in every stage of the Immigration lifecycle.

Peter joined Santa Fe in March 2017 after having spent the previous 10 years leading IBM’s Global Border and Immigration business. A recognised thought leader and regular speaker on Border and Immigration matters, Peter included among his clients the World Economic Forum, Interpol, Department of Homeland Security, Australia Customs, the Irish Medicines Board and the UK Home Office.