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The figures emerged as it was revealed that up to June a record 175,000 migrants were waiting to find out if they had been given asylum. This was an increase of 44 per cent on the same period last year.<\/p>\n
The crisis and the processing backlog has caused anger, not least due to the huge price of feeding and housing new arrivals.<\/p>\n
Now figures show security costs at Western Jet Foil near Dover \u2013 where many migrants initially arrive \u2013 and the larger Manston processing centre in Kent \u2013 where the majority are moved to \u2013 were more than \u00a32million a week.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> I went undercover to expose Albanian trafficking gangs – they’re here in Britain<\/strong><\/p>\n The sum is in addition to the \u00a36million a day it costs to house people in hotels while claims are determined.<\/p>\n Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show that from July to December last year, external contractors at the\u00a0Manston\u00a0and Western Jet Foil sites cost \u00a361million.<\/p>\n A further \u00a34million was spent on eight staff at a medical centre and three emergency consultant doctors providing clinical cover, with one on site from 8am to 8pm and on-call cover overnight.<\/p>\n The majority of security is provided by private firm Interforce.<\/p>\n Alp Mehmet, Chairman of Migration Watch UK, said: \u201cThis crisis just gets worse, with no improvement in sight.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly the traffickers and contractor firms, who provide this security, benefit while the taxpayer foots the astronomical bill. The public have had enough and demand an end to the costly chaos.\u201d<\/p>\n The excessive costs could be set to rise as the Government struggles to fulfil a pledge to \u201cstop the boats\u201d.<\/p>\n It is believed the contractor budget has increased as agency workers are given full pay while they await stringent Home Office security clearance which can take several months.<\/p>\n Last year saw a series of other problems at the Manston site, including overcrowding, filthy conditions, an outbreak of diphtheria, with one death, and claims of assaults on migrants.<\/p>\n Western Jet Foil was attacked by a right-wing extremist who threw three petrol bombs before being found dead at a nearby service station.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> The costs were requested after an inspection report published in June by David Neal, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, found the centre was increasingly reliant upon contractors over Border Force and Ministry of Defence workers.<\/p>\n The report said: \u201cThe operations at WJF and\u00a0Manston\u00a0have increasingly relied on contractors during the course of 2022.<\/p>\n \u201cMost notably, Interforce has taken over from Ministry of Defence personnel. The highly competitive market and essential security checks on prospective new employees\/contractors continue to pose a significant challenge to timely recruitment.\u201d<\/p>\n Stephen Kinnock, Labour\u2019s Shadow Immigration Minister, blasted the Government\u2019s handling of the migrant crisis, urging it to \u201cget a grip\u201d.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cThe Tories have created chaos in the immigration system and the taxpayer is picking up the eyewatering bill.\u201d<\/p>\n Evil smugglers are introducing \u201cchildren go free\u201d journeys across the Channel for an end-of-summer crossing rush.<\/p>\n Around 5,000 migrants are currently based in northern France waiting for their chance to get across on small boats. Sources say the warm weather forecast for the next four weeks will see a spike in numbers attempting the perilous journey to Britain. And lifeboat crews and Border Force staff have now been told to prepare for an increase in babies and children arriving in the next few weeks.<\/p>\n One Border Force source said: \u201cJust like any business, they have new deals in place. It\u2019s evil to lure more across with the promise of a free pass for children. Often they are just babies. It shows how utterly ruthless they are.\u201d<\/p>\n The source said smugglers were worried the recent Channel tragedy, which saw six people die earlier this month when a boat capsized, had hit trade.<\/p>\n They added: \u201cA tragedy is bad for business. That\u2019s how they see it.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/4928877.jpg?r=1693067886381\")
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Albanian gangs using home of EU as pick-up point to smuggle migrants into UK[UK] <\/strong>
Migrants say Bibby barge caused suicide attempt as water supply ‘burned eyes'[UK] <\/strong>
Rishi Sunak insists migrant plan \u2018working\u2019 despite 1,500 arrivals in five days[POLITICS] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/4928874.jpg?r=1693067886474\")
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