§ Mr. McCabeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if training for immigration officers includes guidance on facilitating legitimate travellers who wish to visit family and friends in the United Kingdom. [75650]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe greater majority of passengers are, of course, entitled or qualified to enter the United Kingdom. This includes those wishing to visit family and friends here. Immigration Officers are given training which reflects this priority, with particular emphasis on professionalism, inter-personal skills and awareness of the needs and concerns of those with whom they come into contact, including the family and friends of passengers.
§ Mr. McCabeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what common training is given to all immigration officers. [75649]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienImmigration Officers undergo a variety of common training during their careers in the Immigration Service. In particular, they are given ten weeks' induction training to enable them to apply the requirements of immigration-related legislation and instructions. Areas covered include their powers and obligations, operating the controls in accordance with Government policies, interview skills, professional standards and skills such as forgery detection.
Thereafter, Immigration Officers are given consolidation training in order to reinforce their knowledge and experience, as well as more specialised training for those working in areas such as computerisation, resource management and training.
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§ Mr. McCabeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is given to immigration officers working in the Indian sub-continent. [75648]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienAll Immigration Officers working abroad, including those in the sub-continent, receive a comprehensive Entry Clearance Officer course which addresses a number of issues in the operation of a faster, fairer and firmer immigration control overseas. Officers are required to demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of the principles of Best Practice in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its importance in the successful management of an entry clearance operation. The course reflects the importance of treating each applicant with courtesy and respect as an individual, with particular emphasis on a professional approach to the interview process.
The four-day course is delivered by Immigration Service trainers all of whom have had recent experience in entry clearance work overseas. Areas covered include types of interviews that Entry Clearance Officers carry out and the range of different applications, including visitors and students. A substantial part of the course is devoted to the area of family settlement.
On arrival in post, they receive additional training, with particular guidance on the cultural background and life specific to the country in which they will be working. This includes those going to the sub-continent.