The UK may offer a fast-track for certain passengers in border lanes. The fast track lanes would speed up arduous wait times at border control for passengers who are "high value" to the airlines or the British economy.
The plans are set exclusively for rich travelers at Heathrow airport and other British Airports. The Guardian reported that Brian, Moore who is the departing head of the UK Border Force said to MPs that the members of British society who are "high value" and considered valuable passengers to airlines or the British economy would be given priority treatment at immigration control.
Earlier this year the UK Border agency rolled out in which members of the old Commonwealth and do not need visas such as Australia, Canada, the U.S. and New Zealand would be get priority in the immigration lines.
Moore added, "It is an idea that officials are discussing with port operators. It will then go back to ministers for them to consider whether and how it is going to be progressed. It is an idea that is being pursued."
Moore added that the move was intended to show that Britain is "open for business".
A normal wait time at Heathrow is approximately 45 minutes but they can be much longer depending on the day and hour. The airport has a goal of keeping wait times to 25 minutes or under for passengers that have EU passports.
The UK Border Agency has not given further details on what "high value" qualifies and who would get preferential treatment. It could mean that frequent business-class travelers might be deemed "high value" as well as wealthy individuals and their families.
rich patrons from outside Britain have already been offered a fast track to settle in Britain under new immigration changes. Travelers from overseas who are willing to keep £5m in a UK bank account are allowed to be given the right to stay indefinitely in Britain after only three years, which is two years faster than the rules applied to other immigrants.
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