Migrants arriving illegally on the UK’s Kent coast are facing minimal security checks, according to an investigation by the Daily Mail. Hundreds of migrants from France have been processed swiftly, sparking worries about the effectiveness of vetting procedures.
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Temporary Relocation to Ramsgate
The Home Office recently shifted the migrant arrival port from Dover to Ramsgate, located 20 miles away. This temporary move is said to have created what whistleblowers describe as a "dangerous" gap in security measures.
Since February, migrants have been brought to Ramsgate by Border Force vessels including Typhoon, Defender, and Volunteer. They are subsequently transported three miles to the processing centre in Manston.
Quick Processing Times
The investigation found that the time from disembarkation to arrival at Manston is alarmingly short. For instance, on February 9, migrants arrived at Manston just 43 minutes after landing at the port. Other days showed similar processing times, with only brief checks being conducted.
Upon arrival, migrants are typically at the port for around 30 minutes. During this time, they hand in lifejackets, receive fresh clothes, and undergo a basic weapons check before being moved to Manston.
Processes at Manston
At Manston, migrants can stay for up to three days. During this time, they undergo fingerprinting, identification checks, and security interviews. However, the interviews may last only 45 minutes. After this, migrants are sent to hotels or Home Office properties across the UK.
A whistleblower highlighted issues at Manston, noting that it's not a secure detention facility. Some migrants have reportedly disappeared or been picked up by relatives, as the camp is not designed to detain individuals long-term.
Previous Procedures at Dover
Previously, in Dover, strict procedures were in place. Migrants received thorough screenings and were questioned about their identities—a process that could take hours. This was aimed at identifying individuals with criminal records or ties to terrorism.
Challenges in Identifying Migrants
There are significant concerns about the identities of many migrants, who often travel without documentation. Many discard their passports before reaching the UK, which complicates efforts to ascertain their background and intentions.
This issue was illustrated when a group arrived via the vessel Ranger, leaving Ramsgate on a coach less than 30 minutes after brief checks, without undergoing security interviews.
Government Reactions
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has urged the Government to ensure comprehensive checks on migrants. Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, emphasized the necessity of detaining and deporting illegal entrants immediately to maintain public safety.
Despite these concerns, the Home Office stated that security-check processes have not been affected by the temporary relocation to Ramsgate. The operations, they claim, continue as usual.
Rising Numbers
As of a recent Tuesday, 74 migrants arrived at Ramsgate, taking the year's total to 1,604. Estimates suggest that a single day's arrival of over 400 migrants could push the total number since January 1 to exceed 2,000.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 26 Feb 2026
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