Meridian Immigration

A Belgian pilot has been charged with assisting illegal immigration following the arrival of four Albanian nationals at Headcorn Aerodrome.

Jean Francois Hennaux, 34, was arrested by officers from the UK Border Agency on Saturday (June 9).

They also detained two adults and two children from Albania.

The pilot was charged with assisting illegal entry to the UK and was due to appear before Canterbury Magistrates today.

Three people who overstayed their visas have been removed from the UK after raids in Chatham and Cranbrook by the UK Border Agency. Acting on intelligence, officers visited an address in Cranbrook on 28th May. They found a woman from the Philippines who had not left the UK after her visa ran out.

The 30-year old was arrested and was then deported on 7th June. Two men from India, aged 26 and 28, were arrested in Chatham on 29th May and then deported on 5th June.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Kent or who has information about other immigration offenders can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.

Marc Owen, director of UK Border Agency operations at Heathrow, has told BAA that the leaflets are "inappropriate" and that ministers would take "a very dim view". Mr Owen also told BAA to prevent passengers taking pictures in the arrivals hall.

Amid increasing anger at the length of queues for travellers arriving at border control, airport operator BAA has tried to defuse tensions with a leaflet apologising for the problems.

It said people arriving in the country "deserved a warmer welcome" and explained how to complain to the Home Office.

Mr Vaz said that the issue was of "great concern" and needed to be addressed irrespective of the Olympics.

"Huge damage is done to our country's reputation," he said."The Government has a choice either to increase the number of staff at the airports or to restart the suspension of the checks.

Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, announced the move after reports of lengthy delays to get past passport control again on Thursday night.

There are fears that the problems are tarnishing the UK's image, particularly with the London Olympics only three months away.