Small-boat migrants will be taken to Ramsgate due to “essential repairs” taking place at a Dover processing centre.
Usually, those picked up by Border Force in the Channel are directed to Western Jet Foil for initial health checks and dry clothes.
A group of people thought to be migrants being brought into the Border Force compound in Dover. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA
However, urgent repairs are required at the site, which opened in 2022.
Instead, migrants will be taken to the Thanet District Council-run Port of Ramsgate, before being transferred to the Manston Processing Centre.
This change will be in place for about two months, The Sun reports.
Migrants will be brought to the Port of Ramsgate while the repairs take place. Picture: Google
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We have temporarily closed Western Jet Foil for essential maintenance, which will save taxpayer money, and will be using the Port of Ramsgate to process small boat arrivals until the work is completed.”
Thanet District Council has been contacted for comment.