Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to reduce the number of inadequately documented arrivals by air.

The Government’s number one priority is keeping the UK safe. As such, the UK is launching an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to further strengthen the security of our border.

The ETA scheme will close the current gap in advance permissions for non-visa national visitors to the UK and enhance the Government’s ability to screen such travellers and prevent the travel of those who pose a threat to the UK, making the UK safer.

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

To assist carriers, the Home Office issues core guidance regarding the necessary check’s carriers are expected to undertake. The Home Office regularly train carriers and their handling agents in the UK and overseas, in documentary requirements and detection techniques. The Home Office publishes alerts to highlight any new trends or arising issues and provides a 24-hour carrier call service to advise carriers on specific documentation concerns.

Home Office teams overseas work closely with UK based colleagues who analyse travel data. Where high risk passengers are identified, teams engage with airlines to ensure that the individual is entitled to travel on the documentation held. Overseas teams are located around the globe, and the focus of their activities is kept under constant review.