Immigration Act 1971

Part III U.K. Criminal Proceedings

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. III (Ss. 24-28) extended (with modfications)(1.8.1993) by S.I. 1993/1796 art 3(1), Sch. 1 Pt.I (Guernsey), 1993/1797 art. 3(1), Sch. 1 Pt.I (Jersey) (as amended by S.I. 2003/1252, art. 3(b))

24 Illegal entry and similar offences. U.K.

(1) A person who is not [F1 a British citizen] shall be guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction with a fine of not more than [F2 [F3 level 5]on the standard scale] or with imprisonment for not more than six months, or with both, in any of the following cases:—

(a) if contrary to this Act he knowingly enters the United Kingdom in breach of a deportation order or without leave;

F4 (aa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) if, having only a limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, he knowingly either—

(i) remains beyond the time limited by the leave; or

(ii) fails to observe a condition of the leave;

(c) if, having lawfully entered the United Kingdom without leave by virtue of section 8(1) above, he remains without leave beyond the time allowed by section 8(1);

(d) if, without reasonable excuse, he fails to comply with any requirement imposed on him under Schedule 2 to this Act to report to [F5 a medical officer of health][F5 the chief administrative medical officer of a Health Board][F6 or the chief administrative medical officer of a Health and Social Services Board], or to attend, or submit to a test or examination, as required by such an officer;

(e) if, without reasonable excuse, he fails to observe any restriction imposed on him under Schedule 2 or 3 to this Act as to residence [F7 as to his employment or occupation] or as to reporting to the police or to an immigration officer;

(f) if he disembarks in the United Kingdom from a ship or aircraft after being placed on board under Schedule 2 or 3 to this Act with a view to his removal from the United Kingdom;

(g) if he embarks in contravention of a restriction imposed by or under an Order in Council under section 3(7) of this Act.

[F8 (1A) A person commits an offence under subsection (1)(b)(i) above on the day when he first knows that the time limited by his leave has expired and continues to commit it throughout any period during which he is in the United Kingdom thereafter; but a person shall not be prosecuted under that provision more than once in respect of the same limited leave.]

F9 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) The extended time limit for prosecutions which is provided for by section 28 below shall apply to offences under [F10 subsection (1)(a) and (c)] above.

(4) In proceedings for an offence against subsection (1)(a) above of entering the United Kingdom without leave,—

(a) any stamp purporting to have been imprinted on a passport or other travel document by an immigration officer on a particular date for the purpose of giving leave shall be presumed to have been duly so imprinted, unless the contrary is proved;

(b) proof that a person had leave to enter the United Kingdom shall lie on the defence if, but only if, he is shown to have entered within six months before the date when the proceedings were commenced.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words substituted by British Nationality Act 1981 (c. 61), s. 52(7), Sch. 4 para. 2

F2 Words substituted (E.W.) (S.) (11.4.1983) by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), ss. 38, 46 and (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21), ss. 289F, 289G (as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), s. 54), and (N.I) by virtue of S.I. 1984/703 (N.I. 3), arts. 5, 6

F3 Words in s. 24(1) substituted (1.10.1996) by 1996 c. 49, s. 6; S.I. 1996/2053, art. 2, Sch. Pt. III

F4 S. 24(1)(aa) repealed (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1)(3), Sch. 14 para. 50, Sch. 16; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

F5 Words “the chief” to “Health Board” substituted for words “a medical officer of health” (S.) by National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1972 (c. 58), Sch. 6 para. 155; continued by National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29), Sch. 15 para. 10

F6 Words inserted (N.I.) by S.R. & O. (N.I.) 1973/256, Sch. 2

F7 Words inserted by Immigration Act 1988 (c. 14, SIF 62), s. 10, Sch. para. 10(3)(4)

F8 S. 24(1A) inserted by Immigration Act 1988 (c. 14, SIF 62), s. 6(1)(3)

F9 S. 24(2) repealed (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1)(3), Sch. 14 para. 50, Sch. 16; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

F10 Words “subsection (1)(a) and (c)” substituted for “subsection (1)(a), (b)(i) and (c)” by Immigration Act 1988 (c. 14, SIF 62), s. 6(2)(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 24 modified (2.8.1993) by S.I. 1993/1813, arts. 7(1), 1, Sch. 4 para 1(7)

C3 S. 24(1)(a)(b) amended (S.) by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 62), s. 26, Sch. 1

[F11 24A Deception. U.K.

(1) A person who is not a British citizen is guilty of an offence if, by means which include deception by him—

(a) he obtains or seeks to obtain leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom; or

(b) he secures or seeks to secure the avoidance, postponement or revocation of enforcement action against him.

(2) “Enforcement action”, in relation to a person, means—

(a) the giving of directions for his removal from the United Kingdom (“directions”) under Schedule 2 to this Act or section 10 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999;

(b) the making of a deportation order against him under section 5 of this Act; or

(c) his removal from the United Kingdom in consequence of directions or a deportation order.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both; or

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or to both.

(4) The extended time limit for prosecutions which is provided for by section 28 applies to an offence under this section.]

Textual Amendments

F11 S. 24A inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 28; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 24A modified (11.11.1999) by 1999 c. 33, ss. 31(1)(2)(3)(b)(4)(c), 170(3)

25 Assisting illegal entry, and harbouring. U.K.

(1) Any person knowingly concerned in making or carrying out arrangements for securing or facilitating

[F12 (a) the entry into the United Kingdom of anyone whom he knows or has reasonable cause for believing to be an illegal entrant;

(b) the entry into the United Kingdom of anyone whom he knows or has reasonable cause for believing to be an asylum claimant; or

(c) the obtaining by anyone of leave to remain in the United Kingdom by means which he knows or has reasonable cause for believing to include deception,]

shall be guilty of an offence, punishable on summary conviction with a fine of not more than £400 or with imprisonment for not more than six months, or with both, or on conviction on indictment with a fine or with imprisonment for not more than [F13 ten] years, or with both.

[F14 (1A) Nothing in subsection (1)(b) applies to anything done in relation to a person who—

(a) has been detained under paragraph 16 of Schedule 2 to this Act; or

(b) has been granted temporary admission under paragraph 21 of that Schedule.

(1B) Nothing in subsection (1)(b) applies to anything done by a person otherwise than for gain.

(1C) Nothing in subsection (1)(b) applies to anything done to assist an asylum claimant by a person in the course of his employment by a bona fide organisation, if the purposes of that organisation include assistance to persons in the position of the asylum claimant.

(1D) “Asylum claimant” means a person who intends to make a claim that it would be contrary to the United Kingdom’s obligations under the Refugee Convention or the Human Rights Convention for him to be removed from, or required to leave, the United Kingdom.

(1E) “Refugee Convention” and “Human Rights Convention” have the meaning given in the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.]

(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1) above a person knowingly harbouring anyone whom he knows or has reasonable cause for believing to be either an illegal entrant or a person who has committed an offence under section 24(1)(b) or (c) above, shall be guilty of an offence, punishable on summary conviction with a fine of not more than [F15 level 5 on the standard scale] or with imprisonment for not more than six months, or with both.

F16 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The extended time limit for prosecutions which is provided for by section 28 below shall apply to offences under this section.

(5) [F17 Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1)] above shall apply to things done outside as well as to things done in the United Kingdom where they are done—

[F18 (a) by a British citizen, a British Dependent Territories citizen, or a British Overseas citizen;

(b) by a person who under the M1 British Nationality Act 1981 is a British subject; or

(c) by a British protected person (within the meaning of that Act).]

(6) Where a person convicted on indictment of an offence under [F19 subsection (1)(a) or (b)] above is at the time of the offence—

(a) the owner or one of the owners of a ship, aircraft or vehicle used or intended to be used in carrying out the arrangements in respect of which the offence is committed; or

(b) a director or manager of a company which is the owner or one of the owners of any such ship, aircraft or vehicle; or

(c) captain of any such ship or aircraft; [F20 or

(d) the driver of any such vehicle;]

then subject to subsections (7) and (8) below the court before which he is convicted may order the forfeiture of the ship, aircraft or vehicle.

In this subsection (but not in subsection (7) below) “owner” in relation to a ship, aircraft or vehicle which is the subject of a hire-purchase agreement, includes the person in possession of it under that agreement and, in relation to a ship or aircraft, includes a charterer.

(7) A court shall not order a ship or aircraft to be forfeited under subsection (6) above on a person’s conviction, unless—

(a) in the case of a ship, it is of less than 500 tons gross tonnage or, in the case of an aircraft (not being a hovercraft), it is of less than 5,700 kilogrammes operating weight; or

(b) the person convicted is at the time of the offence the owner or one of the owners, or a director or manager of a company which is the owner or one of the owners, of the ship or aircraft; or

(c) the ship or aircraft, under the arrangements in respect of which the offence is committed, has been used for bringing more than 20 persons at one time to the United Kingdom as illegal entrants, and the intention to use the ship or aircraft in bringing persons to the United Kingdom as illegal entrants was known to, or could by the exercise of reasonable diligence, have been discovered by, some person on whose conviction the ship or aircraft would have been liable to forfeiture in accordance with paragraph (b) above.

In this subsection “operating weight” means in relation to an aircraft the maximum total weight of the aircraft and its contents at which the aircraft may take off anywhere in the world, in the most favourable circumstances, in accordance with the certificate of airworthiness in force in respect of the aircraft.

(8) A court shall not order a ship, aircraft or vehicle to be forfeited under subsection (6) above, where a person claiming to be the owner of the ship, aircraft or vehicle or otherwise interested in it applies to be heard by the court, unless an opportunity has been given to him to show cause why the order should not be made.

Textual Amendments

F12 S. 25(1)(a)-(c) substituted (1.10.1996) for words by 1996 c. 49, s. 5(1); S.I. 1996/2053, art. 2, Sch. Pt. III

F13 Word in s. 25(1) substituted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 29(1)(2); S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

F14 S. 25(1A)-(1E) substituted (2.10.2000) for s. 25(1A) by 1999 c. 33, s. 29(1)(3); S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in art. 3, Sch. 2)

F15 Words substituted (E.W.) (S.) (11.4.1983) by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), ss. 38, 46 and (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21), ss. 289F, 289G (as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), s. 54), and (N.I) by virtue of S.I. 1984/703 (N.I. 3), arts. 5, 6

F16 S. 25(3) repealed (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, ss. 169(1)(3), Sch. 14 paras. 43, 51, Sch. 16; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

F17 Words in s. 25(5) substituted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 29(1)(4); S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

F18 S. 25(5)(a)—(c) substituted for s. 25(5)(a)—(e) by British Nationality Act 1981 (c. 61), s. 52(7), Sch. 4 para. 6

F19 Words in s. 25(6) substituted (1.10.1996) by 1996 c. 49, s. 5(4); S.I. 1996/2053, art. 2, Sch. Pt. III

F20 S. 25(6)(d) and preceding word inserted (3.4.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 38(1)(3); S.I. 2000/464, art. 2, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 25 modified (2.8.1993) by S.I. 1993/1813, arts. 7(1), 1, Sch. 4(8)

Marginal Citations

M1 1981 c. 61.

Valid from 10/02/2003

[F21 25B Assisting entry to United Kingdom in breach of deportation or exclusion order U.K.

(1) A person commits an offence if he—

(a) does an act which facilitates a breach of a deportation order in force against an individual who is a citizen of the European Union, and

(b) knows or has reasonable cause for believing that the act facilitates a breach of the deportation order.

(2) Subsection (3) applies where the Secretary of State personally directs that the exclusion from the United Kingdom of an individual who is a citizen of the European Union is conducive to the public good.

(3) A person commits an offence if he—

(a) does an act which assists the individual to arrive in, enter or remain in the United Kingdom,

(b) knows or has reasonable cause for believing that the act assists the individual to arrive in, enter or remain in the United Kingdom, and

(c) knows or has reasonable cause for believing that the Secretary of State has personally directed that the individual’s exclusion from the United Kingdom is conducive to the public good.

(4) Subsections (4) to (6) of section 25 apply for the purpose of an offence under this section as they apply for the purpose of an offence under that section.]

Textual Amendments

F21 Ss. 25-25C substituted (10.2.2003) for s. 25 by 2002 c. 41, s. 143 (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/1, art. 2, Sch.

Valid from 10/02/2003

[F22 25C Forfeiture of vehicle, ship or aircraft U.K.

(1) This section applies where a person is convicted on indictment of an offence under section 25, 25A or 25B.

(2) The court may order the forfeiture of a vehicle used or intended to be used in connection with the offence if the convicted person—

(a) owned the vehicle at the time the offence was committed,

(b) was at that time a director, secretary or manager of a company which owned the vehicle,

(c) was at that time in possession of the vehicle under a hire-purchase agreement,

(d) was at that time a director, secretary or manager of a company which was in possession of the vehicle under a hire-purchase agreement, or

(e) was driving the vehicle in the course of the commission of the offence.

(3) The court may order the forfeiture of a ship or aircraft used or intended to be used in connection with the offence if the convicted person—

(a) owned the ship or aircraft at the time the offence was committed,

(b) was at that time a director, secretary or manager of a company which owned the ship or aircraft,

(c) was at that time in possession of the ship or aircraft under a hire-purchase agreement,

(d) was at that time a director, secretary or manager of a company which was in possession of the ship or aircraft under a hire-purchase agreement,

(e) was at that time a charterer of the ship or aircraft, or

(f) committed the offence while acting as captain of the ship or aircraft.

(4) But in a case to which subsection (3)(a) or (b) does not apply, forfeiture may be ordered only—

(a) in the case of a ship, if subsection (5) or (6) applies;

(b) in the case of an aircraft, if subsection (5) or (7) applies.

(5) This subsection applies where—

(a) in the course of the commission of the offence, the ship or aircraft carried more than 20 illegal entrants, and

(b) a person who, at the time the offence was committed, owned the ship or aircraft or was a director, secretary or manager of a company which owned it, knew or ought to have known of the intention to use it in the course of the commission of an offence under section 25, 25A or 25B.

(6) This subsection applies where a ship’s gross tonnage is less than 500 tons.

(7) This subsection applies where the maximum weight at which an aircraft (which is not a hovercraft) may take off in accordance with its certificate of airworthiness is less than 5,700 kilogrammes.

(8) Where a person who claims to have an interest in a vehicle, ship or aircraft applies to a court to make representations on the question of forfeiture, the court may not make an order under this section in respect of the ship, aircraft or vehicle unless the person has been given an opportunity to make representations.

(9) In the case of an offence under section 25, the reference in subsection (5)(a) to an illegal entrant shall be taken to include a reference to—

(a) an individual who seeks to enter a member State in breach of immigration law (within the meaning of section 25), and

(b) an individual who is a passenger for the purpose of section 145 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (traffic in prostitution).

(10) In the case of an offence under section 25A, the reference in subsection (5)(a) to an illegal entrant shall be taken to include a reference to—

(a) an asylum-seeker (within the meaning of that section), and

(b) an individual who is a passenger for the purpose of section 145(1) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

(11) In the case of an offence under section 25B, the reference in subsection (5)(a) to an illegal entrant shall be taken to include a reference to an individual who is a passenger for the purpose of section 145(1) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.]

Textual Amendments

F22 Ss. 25-25C substituted (10.2.2003) for s. 25 by 2002 c. 41, s. 143 (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/1, art. 2, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 25C applied (10.2.2003) by 2002 c. 41, s. 146(3) (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/1, art. 2, Sch.

[F23 25A Detention of ships, aircraft and vehicles in connection with offences under section 25(1). U.K.

(1) If a person has been arrested for an offence under section 25(1)(a) or (b), a senior officer or a constable may detain a relevant ship, aircraft or vehicle—

(a) until a decision is taken as to whether or not to charge the arrested person with that offence; or

(b) if the arrested person has been charged—

(i) until he is acquitted, the charge against him is dismissed or the proceedings are discontinued; or

(ii) if he has been convicted, until the court decides whether or not to order forfeiture of the ship, aircraft or vehicle.

(2) A ship, aircraft or vehicle is a relevant ship, aircraft or vehicle, in relation to an arrested person, if it is one which the officer or constable concerned has reasonable grounds for believing could, on conviction of the arrested person for the offence for which he was arrested, be the subject of an order for forfeiture made under section 25(6).

(3) A person (other than the arrested person) who claims to be the owner of a ship, aircraft or vehicle which has been detained under this section may apply to the court for its release.

(4) The court to which an application is made under subsection (3) may, on such security or surety being tendered as it considers satisfactory, release the ship, aircraft or vehicle on condition that it is made available to the court if—

(a) the arrested person is convicted; and

(b) an order for its forfeiture is made under section 25(6).

(5) In the application to Scotland of subsection (1), for paragraphs (a) and (b) substitute—

“(a) until a decision is taken as to whether or not to institute criminal proceedings against the arrested person for that offence; or

(b) if criminal proceedings have been instituted against the arrested person—

(i) until he is acquitted or, under section 65 or 147 of the M2 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, discharged or liberated or the trial diet is deserted simpliciter;

(ii) if he has been convicted, until the court decides whether or not to order forfeiture of the ship, aircraft or vehicle,

and for the purposes of this subsection, criminal proceedings are instituted against a person at whichever is the earliest of his first appearance before the sheriff on petition, or the service on him of an indictment or complaint.”

(6) “Court” means—

(a) in England and Wales—

(i) if the arrested person has not been charged, the magistrates’ court for the petty sessions area in which he was arrested;

(ii) if he has been charged but proceedings for the offence have not begun to be heard, the magistrates’ court for the petty sessions area in which he was charged;

(iii) if he has been charged and proceedings for the offence are being heard, the court hearing the proceedings;

(b) in Scotland, the sheriff; and

(c) in Northern Ireland—

(i) if the arrested person has not been charged, the magistrates’ court for the county court division in which he was arrested;

(ii) if he has been charged but proceedings for the offence have not begun to be heard, the magistrates’ court for the county court division in which he was charged;

(iii) if he has been charged and proceedings for the offence are being heard, the court hearing the proceedings.

(7) “Owner” has the same meaning as it has in section 25(6).

(8) “Senior officer” means an immigration officer not below the rank of chief immigration officer.]

Textual Amendments

F23 S. 25A inserted (3.4.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 38(2)(4); S.I. 2000/464, art. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M2 1995 c. 46.

26 General offences in connection with administration of Act. U.K.

(1) A person shall be guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction with a fine of not more than [F24 [F25 level 5] on the standard scale] or with imprisonment for not more than six months, or with both, in any of the following cases—

(a) if, without reasonable excuse, he refuses or fails to submit to examination under Schedule 2 to this Act;

(b) if, without reasonable excuse, he refuses or fails to furnish or produce any information in his possession, or any documents in his possession or control, which he is on an examination under that Schedule required to furnish or produce;

(c) if on any such examination or otherwise he makes or causes to be made to an immigration officer or other person lawfully acting in the execution of [F26 a relevant enactment] a return, statement or representation which he knows to be false or does not believe to be true;

(d) if, without lawful authority, he alters any [F27 certificate of entitlement], entry clearance, work permit or other document issued or made under or for the purposes of this Act, or uses for the purposes of this Act, or has in his possession for such use, any passport, [F27 certificate of entitlement], entry clearance, work permit or other document which he knows or has reasonable cause to believe to be false;

(e) if, without reasonable excuse, he fails to complete and produce a landing or embarkation card in accordance with any order under Schedule 2 to this Act;

(f) if, without reasonable excuse, he fails to comply with any requirement of regulations under section 4(3) or of an order under section 4(4) above;

(g) if, without reasonable excuse, he obstructs an immigration officer or other person lawfully acting in the execution of this Act.

(2) The extended time limit for prosecutions which is provided for by section 28 below shall apply to offences under subsection (1)(c) and (d) above.

[F28 (3) “Relevant enactment” means—

(a) this Act;

(b) the M3 Immigration Act 1988;

(c) the M4 Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993 (apart from section 4 or 5); or

(d) the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (apart from Part VI).]

Textual Amendments

F24 Words substituted (E.W.) (S.) (11.4.1983) by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), ss. 38, 46 and (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21), ss. 289F, 289G (as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), s. 54), and (N.I) by virtue of S.I. 1984/703 (N.I. 3), arts. 5, 6

F25 Words in s. 26(1) substituted (1.10.1996) by 1996 c. 49, s. 6; S.I. 1996/2053, art. 2, Sch. Pt. III

F26 Words in s. 26(1)(c) substituted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 30(1)(2); S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

F27 Words substituted by British Nationality Act 1981 (c. 61), s. 52(7), Sch. 4 para. 3(1)

F28 S. 26(3) inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 30(1)(3); S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 26(1)(d) modified (11.11.2000) by 1999 c. 33, ss. 31(1)(2)(3)(c)(4)(d), 170(3)

C8 S. 26(1)(f) amended (S.) by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 62), s. 26, Sch. 1

Marginal Citations

M3 1988 c. 14.

M4 1993 c. 23.

Valid from 10/02/2003

[F29 26A Registration card U.K.

(1) In this section “registration card” means a document which—

(a) carries information about a person (whether or not wholly or partly electronically), and

(b) is issued by the Secretary of State to the person wholly or partly in connection with a claim for asylum (whether or not made by that person).

(2) In subsection (1) “claim for asylum” has the meaning given by section 18 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

(3) A person commits an offence if he—

(a) makes a false registration card,

(b) alters a registration card with intent to deceive or to enable another to deceive,

(c) has a false or altered registration card in his possession without reasonable excuse,

(d) uses or attempts to use a false registration card for a purpose for which a registration card is issued,

(e) uses or attempts to use an altered registration card with intent to deceive,

(f) makes an article designed to be used in making a false registration card,

(g) makes an article designed to be used in altering a registration card with intent to deceive or to enable another to deceive, or

(h) has an article within paragraph (f) or (g) in his possession without reasonable excuse.

(4) In subsection (3) “false registration card” means a document which is designed to appear to be a registration card.

(5) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (3)(a), (b), (d), (e), (f) or (g) shall be liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, to a fine or to both, or

(b) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both.

(6) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (3)(c) or (h) shall be liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, to a fine or to both, or

(b) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both.

(7) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) amend the definition of “registration card” in subsection (1);

(b) make consequential amendment of this section.

(8) An order under subsection (7)—

(a) must be made by statutory instrument, and

(b) may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F29 S. 26A inserted (10.2.2003) by 2002 c. 41, s. 148 (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/1, art. 2, Sch.

Valid from 10/02/2003

[F30 26B Possession of immigration stamp U.K.

(1) A person commits an offence if he has an immigration stamp in his possession without reasonable excuse.

(2) A person commits an offence if he has a replica immigration stamp in his possession without reasonable excuse.

(3) In this section—

(a) “immigration stamp” means a device which is designed for the purpose of stamping documents in the exercise of an immigration function,

(b) “replica immigration stamp” means a device which is designed for the purpose of stamping a document so that it appears to have been stamped in the exercise of an immigration function, and

(c) “immigration function” means a function of an immigration officer or the Secretary of State under the Immigration Acts.

(4) A person who is guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, to a fine or to both, or

(b) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both.]

Textual Amendments

F30 S. 26B inserted (10.2.2003) by 2002 c. 41, s. 149 (with s. 159); S.I. 2003/1, art. 2, Sch.

27 Offences by persons connected with ships or aircraft or with ports. U.K.

A person shall be guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction with a fine of not more than [F31 [F32 level 5] on the standard scale] or with imprisonment for not more than six months, or with both, in any of the following cases—

(a) if, being the captain of a ship or aircraft,—

(i) he knowingly permits a person to disembark in the United Kingdom when required under Schedule 2 or 3 to this Act to prevent it, or fails without reasonable excuse to take any steps he is required by or under Schedule 2 to take in connection with the disembarkation or examination of passengers or for furnishing a passenger list or particulars of members of the crew; or

(ii) he fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with any directions given him under Schedule 2 or 3 [F33 or under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999]with respect to the removal of a person from the United Kingdom;

(b) if, as owner or agent of a ship or aircraft,—

(i) he arranges, or is knowingly concerned in any arrangements, for the ship or aircraft to call at a port other than a port of entry contrary to any provision of Schedule 2 to this Act; or

(ii) he fails, without reasonable excuse, to take any steps required by an order under Schedule 2 for the supply to passengers of landing or embarkation cards; or

(iii) he fails, without reasonable excuse, to make arrangements for [F34 or in connection with] the removal of a person from the United Kingdom when required to do so by directions given under Schedule 2 or 3 to this Act; [F35 or under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; or

(iv) he fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the requirements of paragraph 27B or 27C of Schedule 2;]

(c) if, as owner or agent of a ship or aircraft or as a person concerned in the management of a port, he fails, without reasonable excuse, to take any steps required by Schedule 2 in relation to the embarkation or disembarkation of passengers where a control area is designated.

[F36 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F31 Words substituted: (E.W.) (11.4.1983) by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), ss. 38, 46; (S.) (11.4.1983) by virtue of Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21), ss. 289F, 289G (as inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48), s. 54); (N.I.) (19.7.1984) by virtue of S.I. 1984/703 (N.I. 3), arts. 5, 6

F32 Words in s. 27 substituted (1.10.1996) by 1996 c. 49, s. 6; S.I. 1996/2053, art. 2, Sch. Pt. III

F33 Words in s. 27(a)(ii) inserted (2.10.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 43, 52(1)(2); S.I. 2000/2444, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to transitional provisions in art. 3, Sch. 2 para. 2) (which amending provision is extended (with modifications) to Jersey (5.6.2003) by S.I. 2003/1252, art. 2, Sch.)

F34 Words in s. 27(b)(iii) inserted (1.3.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 43, 52(1)(3)(a); S.I. 2000/464, art. 2, Sch. (which amending provision is extended (with modifications) to Jersey (5.6.2003) by S.I. 2003/1252, art. 2, Sch.)

F35 S. 27(b)(iv) and preceding words inserted (3.4.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 43, 52(1)(3)(b); S.I. 2000/464, art. 2, Sch. (which amending provision is extended (with modifications) to Jersey (5.6.2003) by S.I. 2003/1252, art. 2, Sch.)

F36 S. 27(d) repealed (2.8.1993) by S.I. 1993/1813, arts. 9, 1, Sch. 6 Pt. I

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 27 modified (2.8.1993) by S.I. 1993/1813, arts. 7(1), 1, Sch. 4 para 1(9)(as amended (1.12.1997) by S.I. 1994/1405, art. 8, Sch. 4 para. 11 Table; and as further amended (5.8.2014) by S.I. 2014/1814, arts. 1, 2(2))

28 Proceedings. U.K.

(1) Where the offence is one to which, under section 24, [F37 24A,] 25 or 26 above, an extended time limit for prosecutions is to apply, then—

(a) an information relating to the offence may in England and Wales be tried by a magistrates’ court if it is laid within six months after the commission of the offence, or if it is laid within three years after the commission of the offence and not more than two months after the date certified by [F38 an officer of police above the rank of chief superintendent] to be the date on which evidence sufficient to justify proceedings came to the notice of an officer of [F38 the police force to which he belongs]; and

(b) summary proceedings for the offence may in Scotland be commenced within six months after the commission of the offence, or within three years after the commission of the offence and not more than two months after the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the Lord Advocate to justify proceedings came to his knowledge; and

(c) a complaint charging the commission of the offence may in Northern Ireland be heard and determined by a magistrates’ court if it is made within six months after the commission of the offence, or if it is made within three years after the commission of the offence and not more than two months after the date certified by an officer of police not below the rank of assistant chief constable to be the date on which evidence sufficient to justify the proceedings came to the notice of the police in Northern Ireland.

(2) For purposes of subsection (1)(b) above proceedings shall be deemed to be commenced on the date on which a warrant to apprehend or to cite the accused is granted, if such warrant is executed without undue delay; and a certificate of the Lord Advocate as to the date on which such evidence as is mentioned in subsection (1)(b) came to his knowledge shall be conclusive evidence.

(3) For the purposes of the trial of a person for an offence under this Part of this Act, the offence shall be deemed to have been committed either at the place at which it actually was committed or at any place at which he may be.

(4) Any powers exercisable under this Act in the case of any person may be exercised notwithstanding that proceedings for an offence under this Part of this Act have been taken against him.

Textual Amendments

F37 Words in s. 28(1) inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(1), Sch. 14 paras. 43, 53; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

F38 Words substituted by Immigration Act 1988 (c. 14, SIF 62), s. 10, Sch. para. 4

[F39 28A Arrest without warrant. U.K.

(1) A constable or immigration officer may arrest without warrant a person—

(a) who has committed or attempted to commit an offence under section 24 or 24A; or

(b) whom he has reasonable grounds for suspecting has committed or attempted to commit such an offence.

(2) But subsection (1) does not apply in relation to an offence under section 24(1)(d).

(3) An immigration officer may arrest without warrant a person—

(a) who has committed an offence under section 25(1); or

(b) whom he has reasonable grounds for suspecting has committed that offence.

(4) An immigration officer may arrest without warrant a person—

(a) who has committed or attempted to commit an offence under section 25(2); or

(b) whom he has reasonable grounds for suspecting has committed or attempted to commit that offence.

(5) An immigration officer may arrest without warrant a person (“the suspect”) who, or whom he has reasonable grounds for suspecting—

(a) has committed or attempted to commit an offence under section 26(1)(g); or

(b) is committing or attempting to commit that offence.

(6) The power conferred by subsection (5) is exercisable only if either the first or the second condition is satisfied.

(7) The first condition is that it appears to the officer that service of a summons (or, in Scotland, a copy complaint) is impracticable or inappropriate because—

(a) he does not know, and cannot readily discover, the suspect’s name;

(b) he has reasonable grounds for doubting whether a name given by the suspect as his name is his real name;

(c) the suspect has failed to give him a satisfactory address for service; or

(d) he has reasonable grounds for doubting whether an address given by the suspect is a satisfactory address for service.

(8) The second condition is that the officer has reasonable grounds for believing that arrest is necessary to prevent the suspect—

(a) causing physical injury to himself or another person;

(b) suffering physical injury; or

(c) causing loss of or damage to property.

(9) For the purposes of subsection (7), an address is a satisfactory address for service if it appears to the officer—

(a) that the suspect will be at that address for a sufficiently long period for it to be possible to serve him with a summons (or copy complaint); or

(b) that some other person specified by the suspect will accept service of a summons (or copy complaint) for the suspect at that address.

(10) In relation to the exercise of the powers conferred by subsections (3)(b), (4)(b) and (5), it is immaterial that no offence has been committed.

(11) In Scotland the powers conferred by subsections (3), (4) and (5) may also be exercised by a constable.]

Textual Amendments

F39 S. 28A inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 128; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 28A(1)(3) amended (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2) of the substituting S.I.) by S.I. 1993/1813, art. 6, Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 2(1)(a)(2)(a) (as substituted (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2) of the substituting S.I.) by S.I. 2001/1544, art. 4(2))

C11 S. 28A(3) modified (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2) of the inserting S.I.) by S.I. 1993/1813, art. 7(1), Sch. 4 para. 1(9A) (as inserted (coming into force in accordance with art. 1(2) of the inserting S.I.) by S.I. 2001/1544, art. 6(2))

Valid from 08/01/2003

[F40 28AA Arrest with warrant U.K.

(1) This section applies if on an application by an immigration officer a justice of the peace is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has committed an offence under—

(a) section 24(1)(d), or

(b) section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 (c. 49) (employment: offence).

(2) The justice of the peace may grant a warrant authorising any immigration officer to arrest the person.

(3) In the application of this section to Scotland a reference to a justice of the peace shall be treated as a reference to the sheriff or a justice of the peace.]

Textual Amendments

F40 S. 28AA inserted (8.1.2003) by 2002 c. 41, s. 152, (with s. 159), S.I. 2002/2811, art. 2, Sch.

[F41 28B Search and arrest by warrant. U.K.

(1) Subsection (2) applies if a justice of the peace is, by written information on oath, satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person (“the suspect”) who is liable to be arrested for a relevant offence is to be found on any premises.

(2) The justice may grant a warrant authorising any immigration officer or constable to enter, if need be by force, the premises named in the warrant for the purpose of searching for and arresting the suspect.

(3) Subsection (4) applies if in Scotland the sheriff or a justice of the peace is by evidence on oath satisfied as mentioned in subsection (1).

(4) The sheriff or justice may grant a warrant authorising any immigration officer or constable to enter, if need be by force, the premises named in the warrant for the purpose of searching for and arresting the suspect.

(5) “Relevant offence” means an offence under section 24(1)(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f), section 24A or section 25(2).]

Textual Amendments

F41 S. 28B inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 129; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

[F42 28C Search and arrest without warrant. U.K.

(1) An immigration officer may enter and search any premises for the purpose of arresting a person for an offence under section 25(1).

(2) The power may be exercised—

(a) only to the extent that it is reasonably required for that purpose; and

(b) only if the officer has reasonable grounds for believing that the person whom he is seeking is on the premises.

(3) In relation to premises consisting of two or more separate dwellings, the power is limited to entering and searching—

(a) any parts of the premises which the occupiers of any dwelling comprised in the premises use in common with the occupiers of any such other dwelling; and

(b) any such dwelling in which the officer has reasonable grounds for believing that the person whom he is seeking may be.

(4) The power may be exercised only if the officer produces identification showing that he is an immigration officer (whether or not he is asked to do so).]

Textual Amendments

F42 S. 28C inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 130; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

Valid from 08/01/2003

[F43 28CA Business premises: entry to arrest U.K.

(1) A constable or immigration officer may enter and search any business premises for the purpose of arresting a person—

(a) for an offence under section 24,

(b) for an offence under section 24A, or

(c) under paragraph 17 of Schedule 2.

(2) The power under subsection (1) may be exercised only—

(a) to the extent that it is reasonably required for a purpose specified in subsection (1),

(b) if the constable or immigration officer has reasonable grounds for believing that the person whom he is seeking is on the premises,

(c) with the authority of the Secretary of State (in the case of an immigration officer) or a Chief Superintendent (in the case of a constable), and

(d) if the constable or immigration officer produces identification showing his status.

(3) Authority for the purposes of subsection (2)(c)—

(a) may be given on behalf of the Secretary of State only by a civil servant of the rank of at least Assistant Director, and

(b) shall expire at the end of the period of seven days beginning with the day on which it is given.

(4) Subsection (2)(d) applies—

(a) whether or not a constable or immigration officer is asked to produce identification, but

(b) only where premises are occupied.

(5) Subsection (6) applies where a constable or immigration officer—

(a) enters premises in reliance on this section, and

(b) detains a person on the premises.

(6) A detainee custody officer may enter the premises for the purpose of carrying out a search.

(7) In subsection (6)—

• “detainee custody officer” means a person in respect of whom a certificate of authorisation is in force under section 154 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33) (detained persons: escort and custody), and

• “search” means a search under paragraph 2(1)(a) of Schedule 13 to that Act (escort arrangements: power to search detained person).]

Textual Amendments

F43 S. 28CA inserted (8.1.2003) by 2002 c. 41, s. 153(1) (with s. 159); S.I 2002/2811, art. 2, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Ss. 28A, 28CA, 28FA modified (1.1.2007) by The Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/3317), reg. 15(c)

[F44 28D Entry and search of premises. U.K.

(1) If, on an application made by an immigration officer, a justice of the peace is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that—

(a) a relevant offence has been committed,

(b) there is material on premises specified in the application which is likely to be of substantial value (whether by itself or together with other material) to the investigation of the offence,

(c) the material is likely to be relevant evidence,

(d) the material does not consist of or include items subject to legal privilege, excluded material or special procedure material, and

(e) any of the conditions specified in subsection (2) applies,

he may issue a warrant authorising an immigration officer to enter and search the premises.

(2) The conditions are that—

(a) it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant entry to the premises;

(b) it is practicable to communicate with a person entitled to grant entry to the premises but it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant access to the evidence;

(c) entry to the premises will not be granted unless a warrant is produced;

(d) the purpose of a search may be frustrated or seriously prejudiced unless an immigration officer arriving at the premises can secure immediate entry to them.

(3) An immigration officer may seize and retain anything for which a search has been authorised under subsection (1).

(4) “Relevant offence” means an offence under section 24(1)(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f), section 24A or section 25.

(5) In relation to England and Wales, expressions which are given a meaning by the M5 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 have the same meaning when used in this section.

(6) In relation to Northern Ireland, expressions which are given a meaning by the M6 Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 have the same meaning when used in this section.

(7) In the application of subsection (1) to Scotland—

(a) read the reference to a justice of the peace as a reference to the sheriff or a justice of the peace; and

(b) in paragraph (d), omit the reference to excluded material and special procedure material.]

Textual Amendments

F44 S. 28D inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 131; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 28D(3): powers of seizure extended (prosp.) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 52-54, 55, 68, 138(2), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 15, Sch. 1 Pt. 3 para. 95 (with s. 57(3))

Marginal Citations

M5 1984 c. 60.

M6 S.I. 1989/1341 (N.I. 12).

[F45 28E Entry and search of premises following arrest. U.K.

(1) This section applies if a person is arrested for an offence under this Part at a place other than a police station.

(2) An immigration officer may enter and search any premises—

(a) in which the person was when arrested, or

(b) in which he was immediately before he was arrested,

for evidence relating to the offence for which the arrest was made (“relevant evidence”).

(3) The power may be exercised—

(a) only if the officer has reasonable grounds for believing that there is relevant evidence on the premises; and

(b) only to the extent that it is reasonably required for the purpose of discovering relevant evidence.

(4) In relation to premises consisting of two or more separate dwellings, the power is limited to entering and searching—

(a) any dwelling in which the arrest took place or in which the arrested person was immediately before his arrest; and

(b) any parts of the premises which the occupier of any such dwelling uses in common with the occupiers of any other dwellings comprised in the premises.

(5) An officer searching premises under subsection (2) may seize and retain anything he finds which he has reasonable grounds for believing is relevant evidence.

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply to items which the officer has reasonable grounds for believing are items subject to legal privilege.]

Textual Amendments

F45 S. 28E inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 132(1); S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch. (which amending provision is extended (with modifications) to Jersey (5.6.2003) by S.I. 2003/1252, art. 2, Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 S. 28E modified (1.5.2004) by The Accession (Immigration and Worker Registration) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1219), reg. 9(11)(b)

C15 S. 28E modified (22.9.2004) by Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (c. 19), ss. 2(11)(b), 48(1)

C16 S. 28E applied (1.12.2004) by Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (c. 19), s. 14(3)(b); S.I. 2004/2999, art. 2, Sch.

C17 S. 28E modified (1.1.2007) by The Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/3317), reg. 15(b)

C18 S. 28E modified (29.2.2008) by Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (c. 13), ss. 21(3)(b), 62; S.I. 2008/310, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 5)

C19 S. 28E modified by Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33), s. 109B(1)(b) (as inserted (31.1.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 18, 59; S.I. 2008/99, art. 2)

S. 28E modified (31.1.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 23(2)(b), 59; S.I. 2008/99, art. 2

C20 S. 28E(5): powers of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 52-55, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 15; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

[F46 28F Entry and search of premises following arrest under section 25(1). U.K.

(1) An immigration officer may enter and search any premises occupied or controlled by a person arrested for an offence under section 25(1).

(2) The power may be exercised—

(a) only if the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is relevant evidence on the premises;

(b) only to the extent that it is reasonably required for the purpose of discovering relevant evidence; and

(c) subject to subsection (3), only if a senior officer has authorised it in writing.

(3) The power may be exercised—

(a) before taking the arrested person to a place where he is to be detained; and

(b) without obtaining an authorisation under subsection (2)(c),

if the presence of that person at a place other than one where he is to be detained is necessary for the effective investigation of the offence.

(4) An officer who has relied on subsection (3) must inform a senior officer as soon as is practicable.

(5) The officer authorising a search, or who is informed of one under subsection (4), must make a record in writing of—

(a) the grounds for the search; and

(b) the nature of the evidence that was sought.

(6) An officer searching premises under this section may seize and retain anything he finds which he has reasonable grounds for suspecting is relevant evidence.

(7) “Relevant evidence” means evidence, other than items subject to legal privilege, that relates to the offence in question.

(8) “Senior officer” means an immigration officer not below the rank of chief immigration officer.]

Textual Amendments

F46 S. 28F inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 133; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21 S. 28F(6): powers of seizure extended (prosp.) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 52-54, 68, 138(2), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 15

Valid from 08/01/2003

[F47 28FA Search for personnel records: warrant unnecessary U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a person has been arrested for an offence under section 24(1) or 24A(1),

(b) a person has been arrested under paragraph 17 of Schedule 2,

(c) a constable or immigration officer reasonably believes that a person is liable to arrest for an offence under section 24(1) or 24A(1), or

(d) a constable or immigration officer reasonably believes that a person is liable to arrest under paragraph 17 of Schedule 2.

(2) A constable or immigration officer may search business premises where the arrest was made or where the person liable to arrest is if the constable or immigration officer reasonably believes—

(a) that a person has committed an immigration employment offence in relation to the person arrested or liable to arrest, and

(b) that employee records, other than items subject to legal privilege, will be found on the premises and will be of substantial value (whether on their own or together with other material) in the investigation of the immigration employment offence.

(3) A constable or officer searching premises under subsection (2) may seize and retain employee records, other than items subject to legal privilege, which he reasonably suspects will be of substantial value (whether on their own or together with other material) in the investigation of—

(a) an immigration employment offence, or

(b) an offence under section 105 or 106 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33) (support for asylum-seeker: fraud).

(4) The power under subsection (2) may be exercised only—

(a) to the extent that it is reasonably required for the purpose of discovering employee records other than items subject to legal privilege,

(b) if the constable or immigration officer produces identification showing his status, and

(c) if the constable or immigration officer reasonably believes that at least one of the conditions in subsection (5) applies.

(5) Those conditions are—

(a) that it is not practicable to communicate with a person entitled to grant access to the records,

(b) that permission to search has been refused,

(c) that permission to search would be refused if requested, and

(d) that the purpose of a search may be frustrated or seriously prejudiced if it is not carried out in reliance on subsection (2).

(6) Subsection (4)(b) applies—

(a) whether or not a constable or immigration officer is asked to produce identification, but

(b) only where premises are occupied.

(7) In this section “immigration employment offence” means an offence under section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 (c. 49) (employment).]

Textual Amendments

F47 S. 28FA inserted (8.1.2003) by 2002 c. 41, s. 154 (with s. 159); S.I. 2002/2811, art. 2, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 Ss. 28A, 28CA, 28FA modified (1.1.2007) by The Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/3317), reg. 15(c)

Valid from 08/01/2003

[F48 28FB Search for personnel records: with warrant U.K.

(1) This section applies where on an application made by an immigration officer in respect of business premises a justice of the peace is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing—

(a) that an employer has provided inaccurate or incomplete information under section 134 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (compulsory disclosure by employer),

(b) that employee records, other than items subject to legal privilege, will be found on the premises and will enable deduction of some or all of the information which the employer was required to provide, and

(c) that at least one of the conditions in subsection (2) is satisfied.

(2) Those conditions are—

(a) that it is not practicable to communicate with a person entitled to grant access to the premises,

(b) that it is not practicable to communicate with a person entitled to grant access to the records,

(c) that entry to the premises or access to the records will not be granted unless a warrant is produced, and

(d) that the purpose of a search may be frustrated or seriously prejudiced unless an immigration officer arriving at the premises can secure immediate entry.

(3) The justice of the peace may issue a warrant authorising an immigration officer to enter and search the premises.

(4) Subsection (7)(a) of section 28D shall have effect for the purposes of this section as it has effect for the purposes of that section.

(5) An immigration officer searching premises under a warrant issued under this section may seize and retain employee records, other than items subject to legal privilege, which he reasonably suspects will be of substantial value (whether on their own or together with other material) in the investigation of—

(a) an offence under section 137 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (disclosure of information: offences) in respect of a requirement under section 134 of that Act, or

(b) an offence under section 105 or 106 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33) (support for asylum-seeker: fraud).]

Textual Amendments

F48 S. 28FB inserted (8.1.2003) by 2002 c. 41, s. 154 (with s. 159); S.I. 2002/2811, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provision in art. 6 of the said S.I. 2002/2811)

[F49 28G Searching arrested persons. U.K.

(1) This section applies if a person is arrested for an offence under this Part at a place other than a police station.

(2) An immigration officer may search the arrested person if he has reasonable grounds for believing that the arrested person may present a danger to himself or others.

(3) The officer may search the arrested person for—

(a) anything which he might use to assist his escape from lawful custody; or

(b) anything which might be evidence relating to the offence for which he has been arrested.

(4) The power conferred by subsection (3) may be exercised—

(a) only if the officer has reasonable grounds for believing that the arrested person may have concealed on him anything of a kind mentioned in that subsection; and

(b) only to the extent that it is reasonably required for the purpose of discovering any such thing.

(5) A power conferred by this section to search a person is not to be read as authorising an officer to require a person to remove any of his clothing in public other than an outer coat, jacket or glove; but it does authorise the search of a person’s mouth.

(6) An officer searching a person under subsection (2) may seize and retain anything he finds, if he has reasonable grounds for believing that that person might use it to cause physical injury to himself or to another person.

(7) An officer searching a person under subsection (3) may seize and retain anything he finds, if he has reasonable grounds for believing—

(a) that that person might use it to assist his escape from lawful custody; or

(b) that it is evidence which relates to the offence in question.

(8) Subsection (7)(b) does not apply to an item subject to legal privilege.]

Textual Amendments

F49 S. 28G inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 134(1); S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch. (which amending provision is extended (with modifications) to Jersey (5.6.2003) by S.I. 2003/1252, art. 2, Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23 S. 28G modified (1.5.2004) by The Accession (Immigration and Worker Registration) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1219), reg. 9(11)(b)

C24 S. 28G modified (22.9.2004) by Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (c. 19), ss. 2(11)(b), 48(1)

C25 S. 28G applied (1.12.2004) by Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (c. 19), s. 14(3)(c); S.I. 2004/2999, art. 2, Sch.

C26 S. 28G modified (1.1.2007) by The Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/3317), reg. 15(b)

C27 S. 28G modified (29.2.2008) by Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (c. 13), ss. 21(3)(b), 62; S.I. 2008/310, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 5)

C28 S. 28G modified by Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33), s. 109B(1)(b) (as inserted (31.1.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 18, 59; S.I. 2008/99, art. 2)

S. 28G modified (31.1.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 23(2)(b), 59; S.I. 2008/99, art. 2

C29 S. 28G(7): powers of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 51-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 2 para. 78; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

[F50 28H Searching persons in police custody. U.K.

(1) This section applies if a person—

(a) has been arrested for an offence under this Part; and

(b) is in custody at a police station or in police detention at a place other than a police station.

(2) An immigration officer may, at any time, search the arrested person in order to see whether he has with him anything—

(a) which he might use to—

(i) cause physical injury to himself or others;

(ii) damage property;

(iii) interfere with evidence; or

(iv) assist his escape; or

(b) which the officer has reasonable grounds for believing is evidence relating to the offence in question.

(3) The power may be exercised only to the extent that the custody officer concerned considers it to be necessary for the purpose of discovering anything of a kind mentioned in subsection (2).

(4) An officer searching a person under this section may seize anything he finds, if he has reasonable grounds for believing that—

(a) that person might use it for one or more of the purposes mentioned in subsection (2)(a); or

(b) it is evidence relating to the offence in question.

(5) Anything seized under subsection (4)(a) may be retained by the police.

(6) Anything seized under subsection (4)(b) may be retained by an immigration officer.

(7) The person from whom something is seized must be told the reason for the seizure unless he is—

(a) violent or appears likely to become violent; or

(b) incapable of understanding what is said to him.

(8) An intimate search may not be conducted under this section.

(9) The person carrying out a search under this section must be of the same sex as the person searched.

(10) “Custody officer”—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, has the same meaning as in the M7 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984;

(b) in relation to Scotland, means the officer in charge of a police station; and

(c) in relation to Northern Ireland, has the same meaning as in the M8 Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.

(11) “Intimate search”—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, has the meaning given by section 65 of the Act of 1984;

(b) in relation to Scotland, means a search which consists of the physical examination of a person’s body orifices other than the mouth; and

(c) in relation to Northern Ireland, has the same meaning as in the 1989 Order.

(12) “Police detention”—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, has the meaning given by section 118(2) of the 1984 Act; and

(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, has the meaning given by Article 2 of the 1989 Order.

(13) In relation to Scotland, a person is in police detention if—

(a) he has been taken to a police station after being arrested for an offence; or

(b) he is arrested at a police station after attending voluntarily at the station, accompanying a constable to it or being detained under section 14 of the M9 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995,

and is detained there or is detained elsewhere in the charge of a constable, but is not in police detention if he is in court after being charged.]

Textual Amendments

F50 S. 28H inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 135(1); S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch. (which amending provision is extended (with modifications) to Jersey (5.6.2003) by S.I. 2003/1252, art. 2, Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 S. 28H modified (1.5.2004) by The Accession (Immigration and Worker Registration) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1219), reg. 9(11)(b)

C31 S. 28H modified (22.9.2004) by Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (c. 19), ss. 2(11)(b), 48(1)

C32 S. 28H applied (1.12.2004) by Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (c. 19), s. 14(3)(c); S.I. 2004/2999, art. 2, Sch.

C33 S. 28H modified (1.1.2007) by The Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/3317), reg. 15(b)

C34 S. 28H modified (29.2.2008) by Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (c. 13), ss. 21(3)(b), 62; S.I. 2008/310, art. 2(1) (subject to art. 5)

C35 S. 28H modified by Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33), s. 109B(1)(b) (as inserted (31.1.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 18, 59; S.I. 2008/99, art. 2)

S. 28H modified (31.1.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 23(2)(b), 59; S.I. 2008/99, art. 2

Marginal Citations

M7 1984 c. 60.

M8 S.I. 1989/1341 (N.I. 12).

M9 1995 c. 43.

[F51 28I Seized material: access and copying. U.K.

(1) If a person showing himself—

(a) to be the occupier of the premises on which seized material was seized, or

(b) to have had custody or control of the material immediately before it was seized,

asks the immigration officer who seized the material for a record of what he seized, the officer must provide the record to that person within a reasonable time.

(2) If a relevant person asks an immigration officer for permission to be granted access to seized material, the officer must arrange for him to have access to the material under the supervision—

(a) in the case of seized material within subsection (8)(a), of an immigration officer;

(b) in the case of seized material within subsection (8)(b), of a constable.

(3) An immigration officer may photograph or copy, or have photographed or copied, seized material.

(4) If a relevant person asks an immigration officer for a photograph or copy of seized material, the officer must arrange for—

(a) that person to have access to the material for the purpose of photographing or copying it under the supervision—

(i) in the case of seized material within subsection (8)(a), of an immigration officer;

(ii) in the case of seized material within subsection (8)(b), of a constable; or

(b) the material to be photographed or copied.

(5) A photograph or copy made under subsection (4)(b) must be supplied within a reasonable time.

(6) There is no duty under this section to arrange for access to, or the supply of a photograph or copy of, any material if there are reasonable grounds for believing that to do so would prejudice—

(a) the exercise of any functions in connection with which the material was seized; or

(b) an investigation which is being conducted under this Act, or any criminal proceedings which may be brought as a result.

(7) “Relevant person” means—

(a) a person who had custody or control of seized material immediately before it was seized, or

(b) someone acting on behalf of such a person.

(8) “Seized material” means anything—

(a) seized and retained by an immigration officer, or

(b) seized by an immigration officer and retained by the police,

under this Part.]

Textual Amendments

F51 S. 28I inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 136(1); S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch. (which amending provision is extended (with modifications) to Jersey (5.6.2003) by S.I. 2003/1252, art. 2, Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C36 S. 28I applied (1.12.2004) by Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004 (c. 19), s. 14(3)(d); S.I. 2004/2999, art. 2, Sch.

C37 S. 28I applied by Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33), s. 109B(2)(a) (as inserted (31.1.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 18, 59; S.I. 2008/99, art. 2)

S. 28I applied (31.1.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 23(3)(a), 59; S.I. 2008/99, art. 2

S. 28I applied (31.3.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 46(4), 59; S.I. 2008/309, art. 3

[F52 28J Search warrants: safeguards. U.K.

(1) The entry or search of premises under a warrant is unlawful unless it complies with this section and section 28K.

(2) If an immigration officer applies for a warrant, he must—

(a) state the ground on which he makes the application and the provision of this Act under which the warrant would be issued;

(b) specify the premises which it is desired to enter and search; and

(c) identify, so far as is practicable, the persons or articles to be sought.

(3) In Northern Ireland, an application for a warrant is to be supported by a complaint in writing and substantiated on oath.

(4) Otherwise, an application for a warrant is to be made ex parte and supported by an information in writing or, in Scotland, evidence on oath.

(5) The officer must answer on oath any question that the justice of the peace or sheriff hearing the application asks him.

(6) A warrant shall authorise an entry on one occasion only.

(7) A warrant must specify—

(a) the name of the person applying for it;

(b) the date on which it is issued;

(c) the premises to be searched; and

(d) the provision of this Act under which it is issued.

(8) A warrant must identify, so far as is practicable, the persons or articles to be sought.

(9) Two copies of a warrant must be made.

(10) The copies must be clearly certified as copies.

(11) “Warrant” means a warrant to enter and search premises issued to an immigration officer under this Part or under paragraph 17(2) of Schedule 2.]

Textual Amendments

F52 S. 28J inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 137; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch. (which amending provision is extended (with modifications) to Jersey (5.6.2003) by S.I. 2003/1252, art. 2, Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C38 S. 28J applied by 1999 c. 33, s. 109B(2)(b) (as inserted (31.1.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 18, 59; S.I. 2008/99, art. 2)

S. 28J applied (31.1.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 23(3)(b), 59; S.I. 2008/99, art. 2

S. 28J applied (with modifications) (31.3.2008) by UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30), ss. 45(4), 59; S.I. 2008/309, art. 3

[F53 28K Execution of warrants. U.K.

(1) A warrant may be executed by any immigration officer.

(2) A warrant may authorise persons to accompany the officer executing it.

(3) Entry and search under a warrant must be—

(a) within one month from the date of its issue; and

(b) at a reasonable hour, unless it appears to the officer executing it that the purpose of a search might be frustrated.

(4) If the occupier of premises which are to be entered and searched is present at the time when an immigration officer seeks to execute a warrant, the officer must—

(a) identify himself to the occupier and produce identification showing that he is an immigration officer;

(b) show the occupier the warrant; and

(c) supply him with a copy of it.

(5) If—

(a) the occupier is not present, but

(b) some other person who appears to the officer to be in charge of the premises is present,

subsection (4) has effect as if each reference to the occupier were a reference to that other person.

(6) If there is no person present who appears to the officer to be in charge of the premises, the officer must leave a copy of the warrant in a prominent place on the premises.

(7) A search under a warrant may only be a search to the extent required for the purpose for which the warrant was issued.

(8) An officer executing a warrant must make an endorsement on it stating—

(a) whether the persons or articles sought were found; and

(b) whether any articles, other than articles which were sought, were seized.

(9) A warrant which has been executed, or has not been executed within the time authorised for its execution, must be returned—

(a) if issued by a justice of the peace in England and Wales, to the justices’ chief executive appointed by the magistrates’ court committee whose area includes the petty sessions area for which the justice acts;

(b) if issued by a justice of the peace in Northern Ireland, to the clerk of petty sessions for the petty sessions district in which the premises are situated;

(c) if issued by a justice of the peace in Scotland, to the clerk of the district court for the commission area for which the justice of the peace was appointed;

(d) if issued by the sheriff, to the sheriff clerk.

(10) A warrant returned under subsection (9)(a) must be retained for 12 months by the justices’ chief executive.

(11) A warrant issued under subsection (9)(b) or (c) must be retained for 12 months by the clerk.

(12) A warrant returned under subsection (9)(d) must be retained for 12 months by the sheriff clerk.

(13) If during that 12 month period the occupier of the premises to which it relates asks to inspect it, he must be allowed to do so.

(14) “Warrant” means a warrant to enter and search premises issued to an immigration officer under this Part or under paragraph 17(2) of Schedule 2.]

Textual Amendments

F53 S. 28K inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 138; S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch. (which amending provision is extended (with modifications) to Jersey (5.6.2003) by S.I. 2003/1252, art. 2, Sch.)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39 S. 28K(9)(a)(10) amended (temp. until 1.4.2001) by 1999 c. 33, s. 169(2), Sch. 15 para. 4(b); S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch; S.I. 2001/916, art. 2(a)(ii) (with Sch. 2 para. 2)

[F54 28L Interpretation of Part III. U.K.

In this Part, “premises” and “items subject to legal privilege” have the same meaning—

(a) in relation to England and Wales, as in the M10 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984;

(b) in relation to Northern Ireland, as in the M11 Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989; and

(c) in relation to Scotland, as in section 33 of the M12 Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.]

Textual Amendments

F54 S. 28L inserted (14.2.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 139(1); S.I. 2000/168, art. 2, Sch

Marginal Citations

M10 1984 c. 60.

M11 S.I. 1989/1341 (N.I. 12).

M12 1995 c. 39.