The UK Home Office has reported a fivefold increase in the number of EU citizens denied entry into the country since Brexit.
Between January and September of 2019, approximately 2,200 individuals from the European Union were denied entry at the border. This number is significantly lower than the 11,600 who were turned away during the same time period in 2023.
In the year leading up to the Covid lockdowns and the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020, the number of German citizens denied entry has risen by five times, from 80 in 2019 to 411 in September 2023. Similarly, the number of French citizens turned away at the border has also increased from 92 to 426 during this time.
The information reveals the consequences of the termination of free movement post-Brexit, but it also raises concerns about the unfriendliness displayed by Border Force personnel, despite the agreement between the EU and UK for 90-day visa-free travel in both directions.
Yesica Benitez, a Spanish citizen and graphic designer, shared her experience of being detained at Luton airport upon returning to renew her passport.
Two border officials stopped her and questioned whether she intended to work in the UK without proper authorization, despite her presenting documents indicating that she was allowed to work under certain restrictions outlined in section 4. The document also had “none” written in section 4.
She expressed that she was treated disrespectfully and assumed to be working illegally. They claimed her documents were invalid and prohibited her from working. She had to repeatedly show them the documentation stating her permission to work.
“They displayed extreme rudeness. I was clearly demonstrating my knowledge of my rights. I was not being impolite in any way. I simply stated, ‘I reside in the UK and am currently employed, as evidenced by this document permitting me to work.'”
A female border officer who was skeptical of her document sought assistance from a fellow colleague. “After glancing at my paperwork, he returned my passport and informed me that I was cleared to leave.”
EU citizens no longer have the freedom to enter the UK for employment, residence, education, or retirement as a result of Brexit. However, a limited agreement between the EU and UK allows for short-term visits of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days.
In the summer of 2021, it was discovered that border officials were using their discretion to deny entry to EU citizens in a harsh manner, resulting in passengers being detained or deported.
Several travelers confessed to feeling disoriented by the regulations following Brexit. Unfortunately, they were subjected to distressing and embarrassing situations. One Spanish woman was even sent to the Yarl’s Wood immigration detention center for three days simply because she believed she could come to the UK to seek employment.
Following backlash against the Home Office, the Border Force received updated instructions to grant immigration bail instead of detention when appropriate. This would enable individuals to enter the country with the condition that they depart within the designated three-month period.
In October 2021, EU citizens faced a new obstacle for traveling as the UK government implemented a policy that mandates passports instead of ID cards for travelers from the EU. Nonetheless, individuals who were living in the UK with settled or pre-settled status prior to Brexit are still allowed to use their ID card until at least the end of 2025.
Diplomats in Brussels have received multiple reports of border officials who are not aware of the exemption for EU citizens who are already living in the country.
Romania is still the country with the highest number of citizens refused entry at ports and airports. In 2019 Border Force refused entry to 1,376 Romanians. In 2021, the year after Brexit, that jumped to just under 10,000 refusals, dropping to just under 8,000 in 2022.
By September 2023, the number of Romanian citizens denied entry decreased to 5,683. This figure remains significantly higher than the number of individuals rejected by any other EU nation.
Bulgaria experienced a significant rise in refusals since 2019, with the number increasing from 143 to 1,345 in the period up to September 2023.
The Home Office stated that they treat all passengers with respect. They also emphasized that the safety and security of borders is their top priority for Border Force, and they will not make any compromises in this matter.
A representative stated that officials have the authority to detain any arriving passenger for further inspection if they are not initially convinced of their eligibility for entry. This determination is based on the information provided by the passenger, not their nationality.
If you have been denied access to the United Kingdom, please send an email to [email protected] to share your experience.
Source: theguardian.com
