The British police will be able to ask illegal migrants to undress and to be searched orally to find mobile phones, as part of a policy to combat the illegal transport of migrants.

The British government has announced that the police will have new powers allowing officers to require illegal migrants to undress and to undergo oral searches upon arrival at ports. These measures are intended to help gather information about migrant routes and to support investigations against criminal gangs involved in the illegal transport of migrants. The Home Office has emphasized that gangs frequently use phones and social media to recruit migrants for dangerous crossings. The new measures, which will be adopted soon, have sparked controversy, being criticized by human rights groups who believe they contribute to the stigmatization of migrants and fuel racism. Recent polls show that immigration is a major concern for British voters, surpassing even the economy.