On Sat, 15 Sep 2007 10:53:19 +0100, Edward Cowling London UK
wrote:


I had my first experience of the new "Uk Border" style of immigration at
Heathrow last night.

I had no idea it was changing. It was already the worst form of
immigration "service" I've encountered anywhere in the world. Oh well,
one further reason not to leave the country.

After a long journey and 20 minutes in a holding
pattern the last thing you want is 15 minutes in a line. But that said I
have to admit I was impressed. There were about 6 lines f or EU
passports with the new uniformed staff on each line, with a few heavies
lurking in case of trouble.

Nothing new there then. BAA, air traffic control and immigration all
awful as usual.

Every passport gets scanned and they do
actually look you over to see the picture is you. Plus I liked the no
nonsense approach.

So they're making it *even* worse and time consuming for legitimate
entrants to the country. The UK Immigration Service, IMO, is notable in
managing to create an experience so awful that it makes me as a UK
citizen feel unwelcome in my own country.

Yes I could have done without the hassle, but it has to be done and they
seem to be doing a good job of it.

Everyone who has the right to be in the UK for whatever legitimate
reason is entitled to a no hassle service. It's never been provided
before and it looks like it isn't being done now. I'm not going to open
an immigration debate with you as that's off topic.

--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!