Home Office accused of putting criminality before dignity with rule seeking intelligence on people-smugglers
Children who arrive in the UK on small boats could be searched to check if they are concealing phone sim cards in their mouths under new Home Office rules.
New measures will allow immigration enforcement officials to seize phones at the border if it is believed they contain useful intelligence about people-smugglers.
Officers will have the power to make new arrivals remove an outer coat, jacket or gloves at UK ports to search for devices. They will also be able to conduct searches inside someone’s mouth for a hidden sim card or small electronic device.
Home Office sources confirmed that, if deemed clearly necessary and proportionate, children could also be subjected to these searches.
