Written question asked by Lord Glentoran (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 October 2011.

Immigration

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of whether Brazilian citizens are coming to the United Kingdom through Portugal in a way that circumvents United Kingdom immigration laws; and whether they are taking any action on this issue.

Answer: The UK Border Agency has over 100 UK officers posted abroad to 50 locations as part of the global Risk and Liaison Overseas Network (RALON). In the last two years this network has identified 19 Brazilian citizens coming to the United Kingdom through Portugal in a way that was intended to circumvent United Kingdom immigration laws. These individuals were travelling as impostors using lost or stolen European passports. All 19 Brazilian nationals were referred to the Portuguese authorities. I am aware of the wider risk of non-EEA nationals seeking to take advantage of EEA free movement rights to gain access to the UK when they have no entitlement to do so. The Government attache significant importance to tackling abuse of free movement and have raised their concerns at recent European Union ministerial meetings, calling for co-operation to tackle such abuse.

Secondary information