UK Home Office visa application streaming algorithm

By Thomas Vink, 25th May 2021

In mid-2019, the media revealed that the UK Home Office had been using an algorithm/automated computer system for five years to process visa applications. Foxglove and JCWI argued that the algorithm entrenched inaccurate and unfair decision making, and subjected visa applications of people from certain countries to extra scrutiny.

They filed a judicial review challenging the use of the algorithm by the UK government using UK equality laws. DFF supported the filing of the initial claim with an emergency grant, followed by a single instance litigation support grant for the rest of the litigation.

UK Home Office visa application streaming algorithm

Organisation Name

Foxglove, in collaboration with the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)

Country/Jurisdiction

United Kingdom

Amount Granted

EUR 35,702

Current Status

Case won

Grant type #1

Emergency Litigation Support

Grant type #2

Single Instance Litigation Support

Description

In mid-2019, the media revealed that the UK Home Office had been using an algorithm/automated computer system for five years to process visa applications. Foxglove and JCWI argued that the algorithm entrenched inaccurate and unfair decision making, and subjected visa applications of people from certain countries to extra scrutiny.

They filed a judicial review challenging the use of the algorithm by the UK government using UK equality laws. DFF supported the filing of the initial claim with an emergency grant, followed by a single instance litigation support grant for the rest of the litigation.

In August 2020, ahead of the court hearing, the UK government announced it would halt use of the algorithm and conduct a full review of the system. Foxglove is now engaging the UK Home Office about the review of the system, pushing to make sure the new system is fair, transparent and has clear lines of accountability.

"In August 2020...the UK government announced it would halt use of the algorithm and conduct a full review of the system"

Strategic Goal

To encourage the UK government to introduce regulations ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability in relation to all data-driven decision making.

Organisation Name

Women’s Link Worldwide

Image credit: Daniel Schludi on Unsplash