Daily Mail Investigation Uncovers Minimal Security Checks for Channel Migrants at Ramsgate
A Daily Mail investigation has revealed that migrants arriving illegally on the Kent coast from France are being waved onto British soil without rigorous security checks. In a glaring lapse, hundreds of migrants have been processed in less than half an hour after disembarking in Ramsgate over the past month.
Security Gaps in Migrant Processing
The investigation found a lack of strict vetting by Border Force and intelligence services, designed to identify suspected foreign criminals or potential terrorists arriving on trafficking gangs' boats. The Home Office has temporarily switched the arrival port for boat migrants from Dover to Ramsgate, located 20 miles away, which whistleblowers have described as opening a 'dangerous' gap in security.
Our investigation timed the movement of migrants picked up mid-Channel by Border Force vessels Typhoon, Defender, and Volunteer since early February. From Ramsgate, hired coaches transport them three miles to the Manston processing centre. On Tuesday, the time from disembarkation from Typhoon to arrival at Manston was just 38 minutes.
Rapid Processing Procedures
Migrants spent only 27 minutes at the port, where they handed in lifejackets, received fresh clothes and medical wipes, underwent a weapon check with a hand scanner, and were then sent to Manston. For example, on February 9, Defender brought in migrants at 9:50 am, and they left the port by 10:20 am, arriving at Manston 13 minutes later—a total of 43 minutes.
Similarly, Volunteer berthed later that day, with migrants disembarking at 10:58 am, leaving on a coach 24 minutes later, and arriving in Manston at 11:42 am, totaling 44 minutes. At Manston, almost all illegal entrants stay for up to three days for fingerprinting, identification, and security interviews, which recent arrivals report can last as little as 45 minutes. They are then sent to migrant hotels or Home Office properties nationwide.
Whistleblower Warnings and Comparisons
Manston is described by the Home Office as a secure camp, but a whistleblower warned: 'We know of cases where migrants have disappeared, been picked up by relatives, and even visited the local McDonald's. It is not a prison, nor meant to be.' In contrast, at Dover, migrants received dry clothes, were screened for illnesses, and faced identity questions—a process that could take hours per contingent before transfer to Manston, aimed at rooting out those with weapons, criminal records, or terrorism links.
Another whistleblower highlighted the risks: 'Many were undocumented, completely anonymous. They often throw away their passports in France or during their journey. No one really knows who they are or what their intentions might be. It is potentially hazardous.'
Political Reactions and Recent Arrivals
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated: 'The Government must ensure proper checks are done on all these illegal immigrants. We have no idea who they are or where they come from. They are mostly young men. Many commit sexual offences and crimes in the UK.' Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, added: 'Every individual arriving illegally must be immediately detained and deported. Anything less puts public safety at risk.'
The Home Office responded: 'Security-check processes have not been affected by this temporary relocation, and all arrivals continue to be processed in the usual way.' On Tuesday, 74 migrants arrived in Ramsgate, the first since February 9, bringing the total this year to 1,604. Yesterday, estimates indicate over 400 arrived in the busiest Channel crossing this year, pushing the total since January 1 above 2,000.
