More European airline staff are now checking travellers' visa
permissions before they board UK flights in step to prevent
irregular migration.
Over 9,000 workers from airlines including Wizz Air, Jet 2 and
Lufthansa have received specialist training in 39 countries to
verify that passengers have correct UK entry documentation before
boarding flights - creating a vital new shield in the UK's border
security operations and helping to deliver on the Plan for
Change.
The Government is taking further steps to protect the UK's
borders in the latest roll-out of digital visa authorisation
through this major piece of joint working between government and
the aviation industry designed to prevent people travelling to
the UK without permission.
This industry-wide initiative, delivered in 39 European countries
through a mix of online and in-person sessions, is part of the
newly launched Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and eVisa
system, which now requires European travellers to register online
before entering the UK.
The digital system represents a significant modernisation of UK
border controls, designed to prevent individuals who pose
security risks from reaching British soil. Sessions have been
strategically deployed along key transit routes known for
irregular migration, including Greece, Italy, Malta and Albania.
eVisas enable visa holders to instantly view their entitlement to
access public services, work or rent. They also reflect
immigration status changes, allowing the government to take
enforcement action against those who have overstayed their visa,
backed by robust returns agreements with European partners.
As part of the rollout, UK diplomats across Europe have been
tasked with directly raising the changes with their host
governments, alongside public communications activity to ensure
European citizens are aware of the new requirements for entry to
the UK.
Foreign Secretary said:
"Tackling irregular migration demands cooperation across borders
and industries to disrupt the pathways used by those attempting
to enter the UK illegally.
"We're sending a clear message – air travel simply isn't an
option without proper authorisation and registration. Our borders
are becoming more secure, more digital and more effective."
The rollout is part of the UK's government-wide strategy to
ensure it is working with the private sector to tackle irregular
migration and protect the UK's borders.
A Spokesperson from British Airways said:
“As a carrier, this kind of insight is extremely useful and
absolutely critical for us as it will guide us in how to process
our customer whilst complying with the UK laws.
“Our stations feel more confident and prepared in using the
ETA/eVisa system.”
The European ETA rollout is further progress as we enter a new
era of UK-EU collaboration, deepening security partnerships and
strengthening collective efforts to protect European borders from
irregular migration.
Working internationally is a core pillar of the government's
approach to irregular migration - close cooperation with
countries of origin has also seen nearly 30,000 people returned
under this government, including a 23% increase in enforced
returns and a 14% increase in foreign criminals deported since
the election. Four of the largest returns flights ever have taken
off returning migrants to countries across Europe, Asia, Africa
and South America.
