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Immigration Solicitors

Home Office deploys anti-trafficking teams at UK airports (24 February 2014)

Date: 24/02/2014
Duncan Lewis, Immigration Solicitors, Home Office deploys anti-trafficking teams at UK airports

The Home Office has announced that specialist anti-slavery units are to be deployed at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports – as well as other major airports round the UK – to tackle the problem of people trafficking.

In the last year, trafficking to the UK has increased by nearly 50%. Figures from the National Crime Agency which were released in February show a 47% increase in people trafficking cases in 2013.

The units will be led by the Border Force and will take over Operation Paladin run by the Metropolitan Police in the capital. Operation Paladin investigates the trafficking of children into the UK from abroad.

The new teams led by the Border Force are tasked with identifying potential victims of trafficking at airports, as well as collecting intelligence on trafficked adults and children with the aim of disrupting trafficking gangs.

The anti-trafficking initiative is due to begin in April at Heathrow before other units are introduced at UK airports.

The Home Office said that the new Border Agency-led teams would build on existing skills.

Home Office Minister Karen Bradley said:

“The role of Border Force officers is vital in identifying and protecting victims and ensuring there is no easy route into the UK for traffickers.

“The new specialist teams will build on existing skills and joint working –
and extend that expertise around the country.”

Last week, the government also announced a £2 million scheme to help repatriate migrants from Greece back to their home countries.

Many migrants arrive on Greece’s shoreline after being trafficked from non-EU countries.

The Home Office says that the UK remains the preferred destination for many migrants arriving in Greece.

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