ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Six Senior Officers of the Immigration Department have left the island on a week long training exercise in the United Kingdom.
Minister of National Security & Labour, Sen. the Hon. Dr. L. Errol Cort said that this training exercise is as a direct result of the Ministry taking active steps in implementing recommendations made in the Report coming out of National Consultations on Immigration, Passport & Citizenship, Work Permits and Electoral Reform, held in 2009. The Report, which was accepted by Cabinet, outlines several steps to be taken in terms of the training and retraining of Immigration Officers.
While in the UK, the officers will have a hands-on training experience shadowing their UK counterparts. They will work “problem flights” coming into the Gatwick and Heathrow Airports, as well as tour the detention suite and be given the explanations for the automation clearance and common departure lounge.
Discussions on the operations and challenges faced by the UK Boarder Agency in the current travel climate are also high on the list of activities the officers will engage in. Officers will also receive an overview of the International Liaison and Intelligence Directorate, including the operation centre, which provides real time support to risk and liaison overseas networks, and leads on carrier engagement to address illegal migration.
Chief Immigration Officer, Col Ivor Walker said that this training exercise is a first, and hopes it signals a continued partnership with their UK counterparts.
