Accidental oversight
Over the past three years, airport blunders have resulted in more than 1,000 passengers mistakenly bypassing passport and immigration controls upon entering the UK. The errors occur when travellers, who have just landed at a UK airport, are inadvertently directed the wrong way through the terminal buildings.
Responsibility and fines
Airlines and airports bear the responsibility of ensuring that international passengers are correctly directed towards immigration control. Any mistakes made in this regard can lead to fines. Typically, the errors occur due to human oversight, such as leaving the wrong doors open at arrival gates, thereby allowing passengers to skip the standard passport and immigration checks.
Rising numbers
Data from the Home Office reveals that in the past year alone, 574 passengers slipped through the cracks in this manner, a substantial increase from the 142 in 2021 and the 420 in 2020 when international travel was severely restricted due to the pandemic. While efforts are made to locate and bring back these misdirected passengers, some are able to leave the airport without being properly checked.
Concerns from Migrationwatch UK
Alp Mehmet, Chairman of Migrationwatch UK, expressed concern over these lapses in border security. He emphasized that airport and ferry port operators have a role to play in ensuring the integrity of immigration controls and should not allow complacency to undermine these efforts.
Perspective from Airport Operators Association
A spokesperson from the Airport Operators Association downplayed the significance of the numbers, stating that they represent a minuscule fraction—1/4000th of one percent—of the total number of passengers handled by UK airports during this period. The spokesperson attributed the errors to regular passengers taking a wrong turn, noting that once the mistake is recognized, it is usually rectified by having the passengers go through passport control.
Continuous improvement
The Airport Operators Association further assured that airports are vigilant in monitoring their procedures and are always seeking ways to improve. They will address these incidents and strive for continuous improvement. However, they also advised keeping these incidents in perspective.
No comment from Home Office
In response to inquiries, a Home Office spokesperson declined to comment on operational matters.
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