New hi-tech centre in Manchester
The UK Border Agencys (UKBA) new hi-tech centre for e-Borders will be based in Manchester and by 2010, staff there will monitor almost every foreign passenger travelling in and out of Britain.
The UK Border Agencys (UKBA) new hi-tech centre for e-Borders will be based in Manchester and by 2010, staff there will monitor almost every foreign passenger travelling in and out of Britain.
The new centre will create up to 250 jobs for the north west of England joining the 25,000 staff working across the UKBA across 135 countries. including more than 9,000 customs and immigration officers.
The agency is signing an agreement with Manchester Airport Group to work more closely to strengthen Britains borders and improve the experience of legitimate passengers.
The UKBA was launched in April 2008 and brought together the Border and Immigration Agency, UK Visas and customs at the border. Already UKBA has:
Barred almost 6,000 people from entering Britain at juxtaposed controls since the beginning of 2008.
Seized £83 million worth of illegal drugs, including almost 200 separate seizures of cocaine and heroin.
Seized more than 200 million cigarettes worth over £6.5 million.
Taken off the streets almost 800 dangerous weapons including firearms, stun guns and hundreds of knives.