National Insurance Numbers

Mr. Ruffley
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on how many occasions his Department checked the immigration status of applicants for national insurance numbers in each year since 1997; and how many applications were refused as a result.

Mr. Plaskitt
The information is not available in the format requested.

Prior to July 2006, individuals entering the UK from abroad who required a National Insurance number (NINO) had to attend Jobcentre Plus for an evidence of identity interview. The interviewing process was primarily designed to guard against identity fraud. If Jobcentre Plus became aware of immigration or right to work irregularities it advised the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate of this so that appropriate action could be taken.

From July 2006 a “right to work” pre-condition for all employment-related NINO applications was introduced. This prevents anyone who does not have the right to work from being allocated a NINO for employment purposes. From July 2006 to 30 November 2006 a total of 1,529 NINO applications were refused on the basis of not satisfying the right to work test.