§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he has issued to the Immigration Service regarding arrangements for asylum seekers to be represented at interviews held at ports. [43464]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienCurrent and longstanding instructions to the Immigration Service about representation at interviews of passengers at ports have not altered significantly in recent times.
All passenger interviews, including those of asylum seekers, are conducted under Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971. It is not a mandatory requirement for a representative to be present at any interview. However, at the discretion of the immigration officer, representatives are usually admitted to interviews once their bona fides have been established and provided that no unreasonable delay is involved.
On arrival in the United Kingdom, all port asylum seekers are given written information about access to legal advice including details of the Refugee Legal Centre and The Immigration Advisory Service.
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