Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to change their practice of detaining and deporting EU citizens visiting family in the UK who do not possess the correct documentation.

Now freedom of movement has ended, EU Citizens can continue to visit the UK, without a visa, for short trips such as holidays, job interviews and to visit family.

Individuals without the necessary immigration permission for the activities that they intend to undertake in the UK, or where Border Force staff do not believe they meet the requirements for entry as a visitor, may be refused permission to enter at the border, which makes them liable for detention.

Due to COVID-19, the removal of an individual who has been refused may be delayed by a lack of flight availability or the need for an individual to provide a negative COVID test to meet the relevant EU Member State entry requirement.

The Home Office has issued a clarification to frontline officers to favour immigration bail where the imminent removal of an individual is impacted by the above.