Queen outlines UK immigration changes in opening address

Queen Elizabeth II used the State Opening of Parliament today to highlight the importance of UK immigration policy in her outlining of the Government's legislative plan.

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The Queen arrives for the State Opening of Parliament at Westminister Palace.

The Government's legislative program for the coming year is traditionally set out in the Queen's Speech, delivered at Westminster Palace, and this year was no exception as the monarch outlined several new measures the Government would introduce this year, including a UK immigration bill.

Her Majesty said the Bill would aim to "ensure that this country attracts people who will contribute and deter those who will not."

The Bill, if passed, would also prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining driving licenses and allow them to be deported more easily; this move has likely been made following the Home Office's failed attempts to deport Abu Qatada.

The Bill also includes measures focussing on the employment and housing of illegal immigrants; private landlords will be required to verify the immigration status of their tenants while employers will face heavy fines if they are found to have employed illegal immigrants.

Migrant's access to health services would also be impacted, said the Queen, with temporary visitors expected to 'make a contribution' to healthcare costs.

The Queen said the Immigration Bill came in line with her Government's "first priority" of rebalancing the economy and that it would "continue to prioritise measures that reduce the deficit".

"It will also work to promote a fairer society that rewards people who work hard."

The UK Visa Bureau is an independent immigration consultancy specialising in helping people prepare for their UK Ancestry Visa application.