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Tackling immigration and border crime goes a step further, says UKBA Minister

This post was written by Charles Kelly on February 25, 2010
Posted Under: News

UK Border Agency announces new law enforcement strategy, which will go a “step further” in the defence against criminals, smugglers and illegal immigrants.

Borders and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas this week launched a new UK Border Agency (UKBA) crime and law enforcement strategy.

The five-year strategy, ‘Protecting our border, protecting the public’ was launched today at a conference on organised crime.

Phil Woolas said:

‘The agency is the UK’s first line of defence against criminals, smugglers and illegal immigrants. Protecting the public lies at the heart of what we do. Combating border and immigration crime, such as drugs smuggling and large-scale facilitation of illegal entry, is a core part of that role.

‘We can be proud of our achievements, but in this new strategy we are positioning ourselves to tackle these crimes more coherently and effectively. We are already actively working with law enforcement partners, particularly in pilot areas in the North West and the Midlands. It is only through collaboration that we can deploy the necessary variety of approaches to intervene and reduce the harm caused by organised crime.’

The minister cited an example of joint working where a team involving officers from our Midlands ‘Rebutia’ immigration crime team, the UK Human Trafficking Centre, the Gangmasters Licensing Authority and Derbyshire police broke up a human trafficking gang who were exploiting foreign workers in a chicken processing plant. As a result of the operation, three offenders are awaiting sentence, cash has been seized and civil penalties paid.

The strategy captures the full range of our existing and planned law enforcement commitments under one heading. Its delivery is organised under four mutually supporting objectives:

  • Deter – Strengthening UK resilience against immigration and cross border crime
  • Disrupt – Breaking up criminal activities and organised criminal groups
  • Detect – Identifying and locating those responsible for criminal activity and the smuggling of illicit goods
  • Deal – Taking action against those engaged in all levels of criminal or non-compliant activity

You can download the strategy from the UKBA website. Source UKBA.

Immigration Matters Comment

The announcement does not make it clear exactly what a “step further” means, however could we be a step closer to a UK Border police?

See also:

UK Border Agency launch final phase of Tier 4 replacing Visa Letters with CAS

UK Border Agency launch free news service for employers recruiting overseas workers

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

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Reader Comments

My indefinite leave to remain application was denied last October 2008 due to reason that i went out of u.k. for vacation in the philippines for a total of 437 days in period of July 2003 to June 2009. One of them is i stayed in the philippines for straight 6 months from Sept 2005-March 2006 to have my maternity leave.My question is I’m going to re-apply again this coming July 2010 for indefinite leave to remain before my work permit visa expires. I haven’t went out of u.k since June 2008. So still my total days of i’m out in u.k is still 437 days from period of July 2003 to July 2010. Am my eligible for indefinite leave to remain visa to be granted?

#1 
Written By Mary Grace Hebron on February 26th, 2010 @ 6:19 am

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