About us

The first duty of the government is to keep citizens safe and the country secure. The Home Office plays a fundamental role in the security and economic prosperity of the UK.

The Home Office is the lead government department for immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, fire, counter-terrorism and police.

Responsibilities

We are responsible for:

  • working on the problems caused by illegal drug use
  • shaping the alcohol strategy, policy and licensing conditions
  • keeping the United Kingdom safe from the threat of terrorism
  • reducing and preventing crime, and ensuring people feel safe in their homes and communities
  • securing the UK border and controlling immigration
  • considering applications to enter and stay in the UK
  • issuing passports and visas
  • supporting visible, responsible and accountable policing by empowering the public and freeing up the police to fight crime
  • fire prevention and rescue

Priorities

Our goals are to:

  • cut crime and the harm it causes, including cyber-crime and serious and organised crime
  • manage civil emergencies within the remit of the Home Office
  • protect vulnerable people and communities
  • reduce terrorism
  • control migration
  • provide world-class public services and contribute to prosperity
  • maximise the benefits of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union

Read our Home Office Outcome Delivery Plan to find out more about how we are performing against our objectives.

Who we are

Our main offices are based in London, but we also have staff based around the country.

We are supported by a number of agencies and public bodies including:

Corporate information

Access our information

Jobs and contracts

Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Find out about our commitment to Welsh language scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information. Read our policy on Social media use.

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