Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Accepted
Paragraph: 138
Investment in internet and resources crucial for effective migrant safeguarding and casework.
Conclusion
Fulfilment of this recommendation is likely to require investment in internet connectivity and/or other equipment and resources. Such investment would deliver greater effectiveness in managing safeguarding obligations and support improved communications between staff processing migrants in different units and reduce casework delays later in the decision-making process.
Government Response Summary
The government states it has transformed arrangements over the last 12 months, moving to a two-site operational model and increasing staffing at Western Jetfoil and Manston by 86%, with a goal to almost triple staff numbers by year-end.
Paragraph Reference:
138
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government takes its responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for those arriving via small boats very seriously. Over the last 12 months the Home Office has transformed arrangements to control those arriving by small boat. We have moved to a two-site model which sees humanitarian needs prioritised at Western Jetfoil ahead of initial immigration and asylum processing at Manston. That two-site model has also seen our processes and procedures reviewed and refreshed so that all the required security and identity checks and biometric registration, as well as initial vulnerability and welfare assessments, are carried out sequentially and consistently, and with appropriate assurance mechanisms, ahead of arriving migrants being placed into asylum accommodation or detention if the individual’s circumstances mean there is a realistic prospect of imminent removal or if they are to be prosecuted for relevant offences. We have increased staffing across Western Jet Foil and Manston by 86% in the last 3 months. By the end of the year we aim to have almost tripled staff numbers