New powers to seize migrant phones at processing centre spark debate
Charity questions government approach to curb Channel crossings at Manston processing centre
The new Government powers allowing authorities to seize mobile phones and SIM cards from migrants crossing the English Channel have been said to "unfairly target vulnerable people".
The decision which sees officers take electronic devices from people without arresting them, have come into effect this week at the Manston processing centre in Kent.
The measures aim to gather intelligence on smuggling networks, as well as disrupt operations by analysing data from confiscated electronic devices.
Officers have access to specific technology on-site to support this effort.
Aram Rawf from refugee support charity in Dover, Samphire has called the new measures "unfair" and argues they will place "added pressure" on already struggling migrant charities.
"Migrants come to us to access a phone to help them seek asylum and go through the legal process. With these measures, so many more will come to us for access to a phone."
Mr Rawf, a refugee himself, added the measure will also affect the mental health of migrants, arguing it is the only way they can "stay connected to loved ones".
“You can gather data from a phone at the first screening when someone arrives, if necessary, but outright confiscation cuts them off from the outside world and significantly affects their mental health. Vulnerable individuals are often left in situations where communication is their only lifeline,” Rawf added.
He described phones as a safety mechanism, noting that they provide critical means of communication, including calling emergency services, and help prevent further exploitation from smugglers.
“It’s vital that people arriving in the UK have access to their phones, not just as a means of staying connected with family and loved ones, but for gathering evidence to support their asylum claims,” Mr Rawf said.
Mr Rawf also questioned the government's approach to targeting smuggling networks through these measures, arguing there are other applications that would allow the Government to identify people-smugglers more effectively.
The new powers are part of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act passed in December.
Border Security minister Alex Norris said the measures reflect the Government’s commitment to restoring control of borders and dismantling smuggling networks.
Under the Act, harsher penalties have also been introduced for those involved in smuggling operations, such as up to 14 years’ imprisonment for storing or supplying small boat engines.
Other offences, like downloading maps to plot illegal crossings, could result in sentences of up to five years behind bars.
Migrants arriving by small boats reached 41,472 in 2025, according to official figures, a 13% increase on the yearly total for 2024, with numbers still below the all-time high recorded in 2022 of 45,774.
While the Government has championed these wide-reaching reforms to deter crossings and accelerate deportations, Labour and migration charities argue that improving safe, legal routes for new arrivals is the solution to the ongoing crisis.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised these new powers, suggesting they address the issue superficially and failing to tackle the root causes of the small boats crisis.