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Written question asked by Lord Empey (Ulster Unionist Party) on Monday, 14 December 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 December 2020. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 December 2020 on behalf of the Home Office.

Undocumented Migrants

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of undocumented people in the UK; and what steps they are taking to ensure that any such people people are tested or treated for COVID-19.

Answer

As you will appreciate, by its very nature, it is impossible to know the precise size of the illegal migrant population within the UK and thus the Home Office does not seek to make any official estimates.

The Home Office is following national guidance in relation to Covid-19 testing, as set out by Public Health England. Since quarantine measures were introduced in June, those individuals who are encountered illegally entering the UK have been placed in facilities where they must self-isolate for 14 days, given we cannot be certain which countries they have travelled through.

Anyone who is symptomatic will be taken to designated accommodation and tested according to Public Health England guidance. An adapted regime is in place in our facilities to enable social distancing and reasonable restrictions are in place to manage the risks of Covid-19 spreading.

Additionally NHS trusts have been advised that no immigration checks are required for overseas visitors that are known to be only undergoing testing or treatment for COVID-19: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-entitlements-migrant-health-guide

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL11404
Session
2019-21
Related items
Undocumented Migrants: Coronavirus
Thursday, 25 March 2021
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Undocumented migrants Disease control Coronavirus
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk