Immigration Update: Home Secretary announces 14 day quarantine for international passengers arriving in the UK

The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, today announced that a 14 day quarantine regime for international passengers arriving in the UK will come into force on 8 June 2020.
 

What will international passengers need to do?

Under the new regime all those travelling to the UK will be required to

• Complete an online locator form providing their contact details, travel itinerary, and accommodation details
• Face spot checks at the UK border on arrival to ensure that they have completed the form and provide the required details if they have not done so
• Self-isolate at a specified address for 14 days after arrival
• Face additional spot visits by police at their specified address to ensure that they are complying with their self-isolation

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

A new penalty regime will be put in place. This will include £100 fixed penalty notices for those who fail to comply with a request to complete the required form and provide the required details, to a £1000 fine for those who fail to self- isolate. Further criminal prosecution including unlimited fines may also be imposed for those who continue to fail to comply.

Are there any exemptions from the 14 day quarantine?

A full list of exempted passengers will be published. At present,  this involves in the following activities will be exempted

• Those involved in ensuring the security of supply of key goods to the UK, including road hauliers , lorry drivers etc
• Those who are involved in supporting and maintain critical infrastructure
• Medical professionals who are assisting with the UK’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Foreign officials working with their UK counterparts on UK border security
• Seasonal agricultural workers who self-isolate at the place where they work
• Those travelling within the Common Travel Area arriving from The Republic of Ireland, , the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

Will the new regime be reviewed?

The Home Secretary stated that the new provisions would be reviewed every three weeks.

Further information

If you would like any further information or advice about the issues  explored in this blog, please contact Nick or another member of our immigration law  team.

About the author

Nick Rollason heads our immigration team and advises on all areas of UK immigration and nationality law. He has particular expertise in providing strategic advice to businesses on their global immigration needs. He is regularly consulted by the UK immigration authorities on proposed changes to the UK immigration rules and policy.