Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to provide guidance to airline carriers on processing travellers' passports consistently.

Under the Carriers Liability scheme, carriers have responsibilities to ensure their passengers are properly documented for travel to the UK and may be subject to charges if they allow passengers to travel without a correct document. Details of the scheme are published on gov.uk.

To assist carriers in their duties, the Home Office issues core guidance regarding the necessary checks carriers are expected to undertake, this is circulated directly to carriers. In addition, the Home Office regularly train carriers and their handling agents, both at arrival ports in the UK and locations overseas, in documentary requirements and detection techniques. This training is complemented by published alerts to highlight any new trends or arising issues, and by a 24-hour carrier call service to help advise carriers on specific documentation concerns.