CHANNEL-CROSSING asylum-seekers could be searched under “draconian” counter-terrorism powers under proposals in the Nationality and Borders Bill. 

The power, known as Schedule 7, currently allows police and border officials to detain travellers at ports for up to six hours, and legally requires them to hand over passwords for their devices.
 
Under a change to the Terrorism Act 2000 contained in the Borders Bill, currently going through Parliament, these powers would also apply to asylum-seekers arriving to Britain via irregular routes. 

Campaigners have warned against the move, claiming the expansion of Schedule 7 will further criminalise refugees. 

Other proposals in the Bill seek to make it a criminal offence for asylum-seekers to arrive in Britain without permission. 

Muhammad Rabbani, managing director of Cage, an advocacy group focused on supporting victims of the “war on terror,” said: “The constant framing of refugees as ‘security risks’ has further exacerbated the hostile environment and entrenched anti-migrant rhetoric with counter terror laws, as demonstrated by the proposed expansion of Schedule 7.”

He warned that the power will subject people fleeing conflict to “invasive and degrading treatment,” adding: “This is about criminalising migrants and refugees, not about safety.”

Travellers detained under Schedule 7 powers must surrender their phones, computers and passwords and give their fingerprints and DNA on request. Detainees who refuse to comply face terrorism convictions. 

It has been condemned by human rights groups for its disproportionate use on Muslims and ethnic minorities. 

A study by Cambridge University in 2014 found that 88 per cent of those stopped were Muslim. 

Cage describes Schedule 7 as an “Islamophobic practice,” which has a conviction rate of just 0.007 per cent, according to the group’s analysis of 420,000 incidences. 

The government has said the extension of the powers is necessary because of the rising numbers of people reaching Britain in small boats. 

The change widens the power to apply to those who arrive in Britain on “any floating vessel or structure,” rather than in a ship as is currently stated.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Migrants can already be searched under Schedule 7 powers upon arrival in the UK. 

“Through the New Plan for Immigration we are extending where these searches — which can only be conducted by specially trained police officers — can take place.”