Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

(asked on 20th April 2020) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether illegal migrants who have crossed the English Channel to enter the UK are being tested for covid-19; and how many illegal migrants have been so tested since the start of the covid-19 outbreak.


Answered by
Chris Philp Portrait
Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
This question was answered on 26th May 2020

The processes to manage clandestine arrivals are kept under regular review. In line with Public Health Guidance we are not currently providing routine testing for clandestine arrivals to the UK. In line with established processes, those arriving across the Channel are immediately assessed to establish whether there are any medical requirements. Those showing symptoms of COVID-19 are provided with suitable accommodation in which to self-isolate. There are currently no cases of Covid-19 in the immigration detention estate.

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