Refused Asylum Seeker's Legal Loophole | Border Interceptors Season 1 Episode 8

Added: 2026-05-31

[00:00:00]In the world today, protecting a country's borders is vital.

[00:00:06]>> It is seen as a gateway to the UK.

[00:00:09]>> These are the men and women in uniform responsible for safeguarding Ireland's borders. Stopping.

[00:00:15]>> Look at me behind the yellow line.

[00:00:17]>> Searching.

[00:00:18]>> Have you been stopped at a checkpoint before?

[00:00:19]>> We just listened. We just listened to >> and seizing drugs, arms, and illegal goods.

[00:00:25]>> If anyone tries to harm me, that dog will tear them to shreds. saving lives.

[00:00:30]>> I'd say about 200 km per hour >> and protecting Ireland's inhabitants and millions of visiting tourists.

[00:00:36]>> You could have been here 100 times. It doesn't mean that you're guaranteed to get in the 101st time.

[00:00:41]>> They police the ports.

[00:00:43]>> Well, you have to make sure there's definitely no nobody underneath the vehicle.

[00:00:47]>> The airports.

[00:00:48]>> Why did you tell me you weren't working?

[00:00:50]>> And the roads.

[00:00:51]>> These are very badly damaged straps.

[00:00:53]>> If you can't drive the truck, shouldn't be on the road.

[00:00:58]These are the border interceptors.

[00:01:06]Coming up, a failed former asylum seeker returns to Ireland. But will immigration officers let her in this time?

[00:01:14]>> When were you here?

[00:01:18]>> A checkpoint outside Dublin has the traffic cop seizing illegal vehicles off the road. Just too many things wrong with it.

[00:01:26]And problems with a passport risk a passenger's entry to Ireland.

[00:01:31]>> I can't find anywhere to land a stamp.

[00:01:33]>> I think >> a record nearly 30 million passengers traveled through Dublin airport in 2017.

[00:01:46]The majority from Europe followed by transatlantic flights.

[00:01:52]But 2017 also saw a record 850,000 passengers arriving at Dublin from other international destinations including the Middle East and Africa.

[00:02:05]>> Chile Chile Santiago.

[00:02:07]>> Okay.

[00:02:09]With increased international passenger numbers comes an increased risk of people attempting to enter the country illegally.

[00:02:17]Department of Justice figures show that the Republic of Ireland is facing its highest level of asylum claims for a decade.

[00:02:25]So, it's vital that officers at border control continue to scrutinize passengers to make sure they are entitled to visit or stay in the country.

[00:02:34]Working at the non-EU passenger booth today is Officer Ray Flannry.

[00:02:41]The family arrives at his desk and officer Flannry begins the process of assessment.

[00:02:46]Have you been here before? The mother, when were you here?

[00:02:51]>> 2003. As as an asylum seeker, the woman admits she traveled to Ireland before in 2003 when she applied for asylum.

[00:03:01]Her application was refused.

[00:03:05]Officer Flannry needs to ascertain why she's returned to Ireland, this time with her family, and if she intends to apply for asylum again.

[00:03:14]And why come back now?

[00:03:15]>> Because my daughter has expressed their interest in growing in Ira so she could grow with the culture.

[00:03:21]>> Have you any documents from Irish government?

[00:03:25]>> It appears the couple are not seeking asylum but have no documents or visas to allow them to enter Ireland. Instead they reveal important information they believe allows them to enter the country. I know we apply and they get birth.

[00:03:43]>> As their daughter was born in Ireland, she has an Irish birth certificate which the couple are able to present to officer Flannry.

[00:03:51]This immediately changes everything.

[00:03:58]Born before the 1st of January 2005, their child is an Irish citizen and entitled to be in the country.

[00:04:05]>> Y right back to the wall. and as her legal guardians, her parents are also allowed to enter the country. Officer Flannry processes them.

[00:04:15]Taking their photo for the immigration database, he grants the family an initial 90-day stay in the country. Now, you must go to local police in Enis within 3 months and they will register you there and extend your time. They have uh the child's birthert and Irish passport, so they have proof that the child is Irish and is entitled to be here. just push.

[00:04:36]>> Despite previously being denied asylum, the family are allowed into the country and are making plans.

[00:04:41]>> At least my daughter will have the chance of I mean mixing with I mean the Irish people so that when she does that she's not left out. Otherwise if you an Irish and then you come here and you're a stranger and in your own country. So I'm happy that my visa application went through and I'm finally here in Ireland. I'm really happy.

[00:05:06]Patrolling the roads outside of Dublin airport are traffic officers Patty McElroy and Philip Earl stationed on a major route linking Dublin and the rest of the country. The officers have set up a roadside checkpoint to spot check vehicles and to get those breaking the law off the road. Officer Mccelroy pulls over his first vehicle.

[00:05:26]>> How are you sir?

[00:05:27]>> Know your taxes out here?

[00:05:29]>> You have your mobile phone and your possession as well? I just >> So that's that's that's two different offenses you committed in the space of two seconds.

[00:05:39]>> All right, sort it out, will you?

[00:05:42]>> Given it's just out of date. On this occasion, the officer lets him off with a verbal warning.

[00:05:47]>> Tax is only 0418. Obviously, he's trying to avoid it. So you can see the first car we stopped.

[00:05:52]>> The officers pull over any vehicle that looks suspicious or has been flagged for out-of-date tax.

[00:06:01]How are you, sir? Few years.

[00:06:05]>> Did you Well, pull in there for a second, will you? Just have a chat with you.

[00:06:10]>> Can you tell me um what's sorry the text?

[00:06:13]>> I'm just >> And it's not long before another car is stopped.

[00:06:20]>> Right. Do you have any proof that you just bought on the 19th of June?

[00:06:24]>> Control, I'm just looking for a red check and brigen if I could, please.

[00:06:27]While waiting for the registration details to come through, the driver reveals something else about the car that doesn't help his cause.

[00:06:35]A failed national car test certificate.

[00:06:38]>> So fail on the front suspension, >> anti bar >> seats, child seat in the back. Insecure side lamps and intensity that wasn't 318 status register to guarantee. The results of a radio check come through and it only adds to the situation. The driver has lied about the purchase date of the vehicle. He's had plenty of time to ensure the car was road legal.

[00:07:04]There's only one option for officer Mccelroy.

[00:07:08]>> All right, Gareth.

[00:07:10]>> You have this since the 5th of February.

[00:07:13]You bought it and sold it.

[00:07:17]>> You bought it and sold it and bought it again.

[00:07:19]>> You know this ve is going to be seized on you now. You understand that?

[00:07:22]Yeah, >> the vehicle's not NCT.

[00:07:26]>> Just too many things wrong with it. The section 41, the road traffic act, the vehicle is going to be seized, of which I'm going to give you documentation where you can get it back. With one car seized and a queue of cars waiting, officer Mccelroy is straight on to the next vehicle.

[00:07:46]>> So, your tax is out a year.

[00:07:49]>> It's not taxing the next month. I'm going to be ringing checking. And I want you to produce the doc and say that you got your you change it back into your own name.

[00:07:54]>> Yeah. No, that's perfect. Yeah.

[00:07:56]>> As her tax is only just expired. The driver has a month to provide evidence she has reaxed her car. But it's not looking so good for the next driver.

[00:08:04]>> What's the story? You have no insurance.

[00:08:06]You have no insurance.

[00:08:07]>> No other insurance. So >> with a number of Shannon's flights arriving from non-EU destinations, border control is tight and all procedures are followed to the letter.

[00:08:20]A flight has just arrived from Boston and the immigration officers are performing the checks at passport control.

[00:08:27]Sometimes remembering your passport isn't enough.

[00:08:31]>> How long will you be here?

[00:08:33]>> Entry only stamps are issued in the Republic of Ireland. They're granted by immigration officers giving you official permission to enter the country. You're >> you're running out of room.

[00:08:43]>> And having room for a stamp is a requirement. You >> your passport is full. I can't find anywhere to land a stamp.

[00:08:51]You can be turned back for that. You know that it is actually a reason for refusal. I don't know if many people know that or not, but they can be sent back.

[00:09:01]>> It's a worrying situation for the passenger.

[00:09:03]>> It is actually uh up to the person who owns the passport to make sure that there's enough room to land a stamp. You might find somewhere where I'd be able to stamp your passport.

[00:09:13]>> The husband takes a look. If they can't find room for a stamp, she can't be officially granted permission to land.

[00:09:20]She faces the very real possibility of being separated from her family and forced to fly home to Boston alone.

[00:09:27]>> How big step like that?

[00:09:43]I'm going to try and find some corner of your passport to do that.

[00:09:46]>> The officer makes his decision.

[00:09:50]>> There are other jurisdictions, they wouldn't accept this, you know.

[00:09:53]>> Thanks very much.

[00:09:54]>> You're going to run into trouble eventually. You know, >> if a stamp can't be landed by an immigration officer, not just in this jurisdiction, but probably pretty much in every other jur jurisdiction, uh they can be sent back. She's free to enter the country on this occasion, but she might not be so lucky next time.

[00:10:14]>> Last time they told me to get more pages, but I didn't do it.

[00:10:20]Just time to get a new one.

[00:10:24]>> I'd welcome smaller stamps for a standard passport. People are traveling a lot more these days, going in and out of countries that don't have visa waiver programs. So, I think it'll be probably helpful.

[00:10:35]>> He said, "Oh, you need to get it fixed."

[00:10:37]So if you can see what you should be >> operating a roadside checkpoint on the outskirts of Dublin, officers Mckelroy and Earl are stopping and seizing vehicles that shouldn't be on the road.

[00:10:49]And having already claimed one car, it's not looking good for another driver despite her arguments.

[00:10:55]>> You have no insurance?

[00:10:57]>> No, I have the insurance. So you are putting the insurance.

[00:11:02]>> No, this vehicle's been seized now.

[00:11:04]Okay. You're not driving this car further than here.

[00:11:07]>> This is very stress for me.

[00:11:10]>> Yeah. Well, if I let you drive 2 minutes down the road and you're involved in a crash, you have no insurance. What's that make me look like?

[00:11:17]>> No, because I'm only going to park.

[00:11:19]>> I know you're only going You could only be driving into that driveway and still be taking. You've told me >> the problem is there. We need to pay the money. That's the problem.

[00:11:28]>> But you have told me you've no insurance.

[00:11:31]That's a that's a big defense >> because I don't if you wanted me to lie to you. I have the insurance you can't see.

[00:11:37]>> No. So the vehicle has been in is being seen.

[00:11:40]>> I know. I know. So can I get your name?

[00:11:43]>> Yes, of course. I will come here to meet another >> I will write my name on this and you want to make your way down to the motorway and get some taxi.

[00:11:54]>> To get their cars back, the drivers need to produce valid tax and insurance documents. and it needs to be done promptly. If the cars are not claimed after 3 weeks, there's a possibility they will be crushed.

[00:12:11]Detective Garter Mick Lai is on duty at Dublin airport, checking passports and helping to safeguard Ireland's borders.

[00:12:20]The next visitor in line is an American lady who has arrived to work with the charity looking after elderly people.

[00:12:27]And who are you working for here?

[00:12:30]>> Friends of the Elderly. It's a nonprofit based in Dublin.

[00:12:33]>> Where is it?

[00:12:34]>> Um 25 Alton Street.

[00:12:36]>> And do you have a date for return home?

[00:12:40]>> Yes. August 20.

[00:12:41]>> You definitely go on that date. Yeah.

[00:12:44]>> Officer Lai has to ensure that the information she is giving is legitimate.

[00:12:48]If it doesn't check out, he could put her straight back on a plane to the US.

[00:12:53]Meanwhile, at Detective Guarder Ray Flannery's booth, a young Australian girl has handed over her passport.

[00:13:00]But officer Flannry isn't happy.

[00:13:03]Problem is that you had a refusal in the UK. So that's >> Yeah, >> that generally creates a problem here.

[00:13:10]If you've been refused there, you don't generally get permission to come in here. And the only grounds they gave you for refusal was that you didn't have a work >> working at you.

[00:13:20]Would you not have told her to look for one before?

[00:13:24]>> Well, I I had thought that if I started just training or working there, >> then I could apply for one. But no, you >> all has to be obtained beforehand.

[00:13:37]>> Yeah.

[00:13:39]>> So, they refused you and then they allowed you into >> into the UK >> for 3 days.

[00:13:47]With a refusal already on her record, it looks like the girl is going to become one of the 4,000 people turned away at Ireland's borders every year.

[00:13:56]Meanwhile, Officer Lai checks that all the details of the charity worker are correct and her paperwork is valid for her stay.

[00:14:04]>> What did you say is the name of the place?

[00:14:06]>> Friends of the collecting flights.

[00:14:09]>> Satisfied that everything is in order, he takes her photo for the immigration database. Now, will you just stand there to get your photograph, please?

[00:14:17]>> He explains that he's given her the maximum length of stay that he's allowed to.

[00:14:22]If she wants to stay longer, she'll have to apply for an extension at the immigration office in Dublin.

[00:14:29]>> Now, given it to the 13th of August, that's the longest I can give you. So, >> if you decide you want to stay on for a few days, you'll have to go to immigration and tell them, you know.

[00:14:39]>> Officer Lai returns her documents and allows her to be on her way. Sure. Yeah.

[00:14:44]>> Okay.

[00:14:49]>> Back at Officer Flannry's booth, though, the young Australian isn't having as much luck.

[00:14:54]>> So, how many days do you intend coming here for?

[00:14:57]>> Uh, two weeks.

[00:14:58]>> Two weeks. How much money do you have with you for your stay?

[00:15:01]>> I have 900.

[00:15:03]>> Unprepared and traveling without the correct work permit.

[00:15:07]He needs to assess whether he thinks she is a risk to island security. Where are you going to stay here?

[00:15:13]>> In West, Southern Island.

[00:15:16]>> Where's me? Okay.

[00:15:18]>> Okay. So, you're going to stay with him for 2 weeks?

[00:15:20]>> Yes.

[00:15:20]>> And then >> fly to either Dubai uh direct from here or just use that route. If Emirates won't let me change, fly from here to Dieselorf, then just use that.

[00:15:38]>> Okay. All right, I'll two weeks.

[00:15:42]>> Okay.

[00:15:44]>> Happy she is telling the truth and has enough funds to support her proposed stay in Ireland, he grants her access for 2 weeks.

[00:15:53]After that, she will have to leave Ireland and apply for the correct work permits to return.

[00:16:00]Hopefully, the visa will only take up to 3 months maximum. and they they have already notified us and then I'll return to the UK to work.

[00:16:12]>> At Dublin Port, preparations are being made for the arrival of a massive international cargo ship, the San Fernando Ray, and that includes making sure security is tight.

[00:16:24]A record 36.4 million tons of cargo passed through the port in 2017, including half of Ireland's oil and 80% of its freight.

[00:16:35]So, keeping on top of safety and security is a vitally important job.

[00:16:40]The San Fernando Ray needs careful attention. At 137 m long and weighing over 12,000 tons, it can only be docked at certain times of the day when the water depth in the port is deep enough.

[00:16:54]Something under >> a member of the port's team known as a pilot has headed out to the cargo ship to oversee docking the vessel. Safety is paramount. With a boat this big, an accident would be hugely dangerous.

[00:17:11]With his knowledge of the port, the pilot ensures the ship can safely dock.

[00:17:17]His presence is a requirement for all large commercial vessels arriving at the port.

[00:17:23]Once on board, he takes control of the ship and with the help of Tugs maneuvers into its docking position.

[00:17:32]Once secure, the port can start unloading the ship's cargo.

[00:17:37]While its dock security is tight, port officers police landslide while the ship security officer is responsible for on board.

[00:17:46]Nearly 4,000 illegal immigrants are deported from Ireland every year. around 15% of them from African countries.

[00:17:55]A ship the size of the San Fernando Ray is a perfect target for stowaways and criminals.

[00:18:01]And while the ship is docked, the security officer makes regular security searches.

[00:18:07]Usually, we made the security round around the ship every 4 hours.

[00:18:13]When I'm making a ship search, I'm looking for persons which I never seen and maybe some strange or unknown for me, unknown objects. On this occasion, the security search turns up nothing.

[00:18:31]But he'll need to remain vigilant until the ship finally leaves Dublin port.

[00:18:38]Roadside checks have become a vital tool in the road safety authorities battle against unroadworthy vehicles.

[00:18:44]>> Great. Thank you. Bye-bye.

[00:18:46]>> Officer Liam Lawler is manning a roadside checkpoint.

[00:18:52]This trailer is going to need further investigation.

[00:18:56]You have no number plate, no brake lights, and no right indicator.

[00:19:00]>> Yeah, but even when I go, it was working. You know what I mean?

[00:19:03]>> Are you Polish?

[00:19:03]>> Oh, Slovak.

[00:19:04]>> Slovak.

[00:19:06]Being part of the EU, driving on a Slovakian license is perfectly legal.

[00:19:11]But breaking Irish traffic laws is not.

[00:19:14]>> Okay. You don't have a license to pull a trailer because this trailer has a maximum authorized mass of 2,700 kilos.

[00:19:20]You don't have the category here to pull the trailer, which is BE.

[00:19:24]>> Ah, yeah. Okay.

[00:19:25]>> But you don't have that.

[00:19:26]>> Yeah, I have.

[00:19:27]>> Yeah. This is a car license.

[00:19:29]>> Yeah. But I did this 96. I pay a course for that in Slovakia that I can put the trailer. Uh it clearly shows here the uh EB license or BE which is the same thing car trailer which you don't have.

[00:19:41]>> Yeah, this 96 means that I can pull any trailer to the size of 4 and 1/2 ton.

[00:19:46]>> But you don't have the actual category license to pull a trailer at all according to this. Well, there was a few things. The trailer didn't have proper brakes. There was no number plate, no brake lights, no indicator on the right.

[00:19:55]But the real issue was the license. He had a code 96 from Slovakia. Now, I don't understand the codes because obviously if there's 96 codes, he wouldn't remember them. But what it basically said was that he could pull a trailer up to a certain weight, which was 4,250 kilos without what we would call a trailer license, which doesn't make sense.

[00:20:15]>> This trailer's too heavy for the truck, and Officer Lawler believes the driver hasn't even got the necessary license to pull it.

[00:20:22]>> I know. I know. That's why I did this license.

[00:20:24]>> And your van, I think, is 3,500 kilos.

[00:20:26]Is that right? A design weight. Yeah.

[00:20:28]So, it needs >> Yeah. But that's why I did the license for for pulling the trailers.

[00:20:31]>> No, she didn't.

[00:20:33]>> Officer Lola is suspicious.

[00:20:35]>> I can prove it.

[00:20:36]>> Where did you do your test?

[00:20:37]>> In Slovakia.

[00:20:38]>> How long are you in Ireland?

[00:20:39]>> I'm 15 years. I bought home caravan and that's why I did this special license.

[00:20:43]>> You just went back to Slovakia for the purpose of getting this class on your license. And why didn't you do your test here if you're here 15 years?

[00:20:50]>> I don't know.

[00:20:51]>> Whatever has happened, you still didn't get your category on your license here.

[00:20:55]Be you did test with a trailer?

[00:20:58]>> No. In Slovakia, if you want to have a caravan or any trailer, you don't need to do any test. Just extend your license >> without any test.

[00:21:05]>> Yeah, >> it doesn't make sense. He's saying that he didn't do the test. He just did a theory test and he was able to get this extension on his license to pull a trailer. Now, here we have a different system where if you want to pull that size of the trailer, you have to do a test. So, I need to look into it more.

[00:21:19]>> Officer Lawler discusses it further with his colleague from the RSA.

[00:21:24]They have the power to pull the vehicle off the road if necessary.

[00:21:28]I'm finished. Just get the trailer fixed. Okay. So, >> this driver will have to get his trailer fixed. The guarder and RSA have his number.