While attention is focused on the English Channel, a second route has long existed through the Common Travel Area (CTA) between Great Britain and Ireland. This travel freedom, granted to British and Irish citizens, is being exploited by traffickers and illegal migrants.

Wendy Gunney, head of the organised immigration crime task force, stated that the CTA is being used by „criminal gangs as a backdoor into the United Kingdom.”

According to a report by the Daily Mail, checks, searches, and comparisons were carried out at several hubs over three days, employing visible presence and modern technology. In Holyhead, Wales—one of the key ferry ports—passengers were scanned using live facial recognition technology. The system compared faces against a database of known immigration offenders.

As passengers passed through the terminal, checks were simultaneously conducted on heavy goods vehicle traffic: lorries were searched for stowaways and smuggled goods. Additionally, separate checks were carried out near a motorway outside the town.

The ‘back door’ migrant route into Britain: Immigration crackdown as people smuggling gangs exploit soft border between UK and Ireland https://t.co/GHdLifogfX

— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) February 28, 2026

The use of live facial recognition has drawn fierce criticism from civil rights activists, who view it as a significant extension of the „surveillance state.”

„Not Just Migration”: Drugs, Smuggling, Black Market

The issue is not solely about individuals without residency permits. The same route is also used for the transportation of drugs and black market goods. The threat within the Common Travel Area is increasing „in connection with elements of organised crime.”

„The small boats arriving are very visible, and there is a lot of work involved with them, but our job is to ensure that all entry points into the United Kingdom are secure,” emphasised a representative from the authorities.

Holyhead was just one focal point. Ports at Loch Ryan (Scotland), Heysham (Lancashire), and Birkenhead (Merseyside) were also „swamped” by officials during the operation. Authorities were present on the ferries, including immigration officials, border guards, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), and various police forces.

There are no passport checks between Great Britain and Ireland. Although travellers are required to carry photographic identification, checks are only random—something that criminals exploit.

Among the 32 arrests was a man from Lesotho. He did not possess a valid entry permit for the UK and was wanted by Irish authorities for a violent crime. Additionally, he had a criminal record in Ireland. The man was promptly returned to Ireland and handed over to local authorities.

At Birmingham Airport, officials arrested four Pakistani nationals who had arrived from Belfast. They did not have valid UK visas and were all undergoing ongoing asylum procedures in the UK. As they violated their reporting obligations by travelling to Northern Ireland, all four had their asylum claims revoked.

Ben Thomas, regional director of Immigration Enforcement, spoke of „swift justice” for those illegal migrants who abuse the Common Travel Area.

During a traffic check on the A55 motorway in North Wales, an Indian national was identified who had previously submitted a rejected asylum claim. He was also suspected of working illegally for a transport company. The Home Office stated that deportation proceedings are „ongoing”; the company may face a financial penalty.

Not a New Phenomenon—But Visible Again

The misuse of this route is not a new issue. As early as 2024, 14 Albanians were discovered hiding in an animal transport vehicle heading from Northern Ireland to mainland Britain.

Additionally, there are cases of individuals commuting between Great Britain and Ireland to simultaneously receive social benefits in both countries—another area where authorities believe the free travel rules are being exploited.