Immigration Solicitors

Immigration Minister James Brokenshire has signed a joint declaration with ministers from Belgium and the Netherlands at The Hague, to strengthen port security and tackle organised immigration crime.

The move comes in the face of unprecedented pressure in Europe from irregular migration, with refugees making their way to Europe from war zones in Africa and the Middle East. Many are trafficked and it is thought that some new arrivals might be economic migrants rather than refugees.

Mr Brokenshire met the Dutch State Secretary for Security, Justice and Immigration, Klaas Dijkhoff – and Belgian Interior and Immigration Ministers, Jan Jambon and Theo Francken.

Discussions at the meeting focused on the need for the three nations to continue to secure their home ports and share intelligence, to disrupt the criminal gangs who profit from exploiting vulnerable migrants.

The declaration agrees to enhance co-operation – and share expertise and knowledge – to support the fight against organised migration crime.

Under the agreement, the UK, The Netherlands and Belgium will also continue to work together to tackle smuggling networks in source and transit countries.

After signing the agreement on Thursday (12/11/15), Immigration Minister James Brokenshire said:

“I met with the ministers from the Dutch and Belgian governments today as part of our close working relationship to tackle illegal migration in Europe.

“The signing of the joint declaration re-affirms our commitment to tackle the callous criminals who peddle a vile trade in human lives – as well as stabilising the countries from which the migrants are coming.

The government says that UK is playing a leading role in pushing for action against irregular migration through the EU and UN – demonstrated by both the Prime Minister and Home Secretary Theresa May attending last week’s summit in Malta’s capital, Valletta, where they agreed an action plan to address and respond to the full range of issues associated with irregular migration.

It was hoped by some governments that a change in the weather might reduce the number of migrants making the dangerous crossing via the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.

However, more migrants are travelling over land through Balkan states to reach Austria and Germany – and the migrants trafficked by sea are continuing to risk their lives.

Sweden is one country previously open to refugees which is closing its borders because of the strain of having to deal with high numbers of new arrivals.

Following the events in Paris at the weekend, it is anticipated that more countries will introduce border controls, contrary to the Schengen agreement – which underpins the principle of free movement across borders within EU member states. The UK is not a member of the Schengen zone, however.

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors can advise on a wide range of immigration matters, including illegal entry to the UK, asylum in the UK and asylum appeals – as well as appeals against deportation from the UK under the Human Rights Act.

Duncan Lewis is a successful firm of Legal Aid immigration solicitors – and also has successful departments covering mental health, family and criminal law, which may be relevant to an applicant’s case in any appeal against deportation from the UK under the Human Rights Act.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on prisoners’ rights, including the rights of detainees in immigration detention centres.

For expert legal advice on UK immigration law – including appeals against deportation from the UK using human rights legislation – call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For urgent help with immigration matters, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607, where an accredited immigration lawyer is available 24/7.