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04 January 2010
Returning British soldiers to protect ports and prevent illegal UK immigration
Immigration Minister Phil Woolas has confirmed a plan to offer returning British soldiers jobs guarding UK borders and preventing illegal immigration as well as anti-terrorism responsibilities.
Woolas said veterans invalided out of the Armed Forces and who had recovered from their injuries could fulfil a vital role as UK immigration officers, dog handlers or on drug-surveillance teams.
“This could give them back their self-esteem but it also potentially gives the Border Agency some streetwise, mentally strong people who could help spot the bad guys,” the Minister said.
Labour MP Lindsay Hoyle developed the proposals to demonstrate the Government’s commitment to the Armed Forces and strengthen the border police, particularly at Britain’s ferry ports.
The ferry ports are high-risk targets for people wishing to enter the country by circumventing immigration control, and gaining entry to live and work without a UK visa.
The UK Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge their UK Visa and British Citizenship applications at the British Embassy.
