Border Force Officer

Immigration Officer | Home Office | Kent (Dover, Folkestone & Manston)

Intro

Are you looking for a career with a profound sense of purpose at the heart of the UK’s national security and humanitarian efforts? The National Asylum Intake Unit (NAIU) is recruiting Immigration Officers to join its 800-strong team in Kent. This unit handles approximately 80% of all national asylum claims, serving as the first point of contact for arrivals via small boats, lorry drops, and in-country claimants. Whether you are based in the historic port of Dover, the upcoming site in Folkestone, or the specialized processing center at Manston, you will play a critical role in identifying individuals, securing identities, and ensuring the welfare of vulnerable people.

Key Responsibilities

• Identity & Registration: “Lock” identities and formally register asylum claims for new arrivals, ensuring all data is accurate and secure.

• Vulnerability & Safeguarding: At the Kent Intake Unit, work closely with Kent Children’s Services to identify and process unaccompanied children, ensuring they enter appropriate care swiftly.

• Triage & Processing: At the Manston Initial Processing and Triage Centre, focus on the efficient and humane processing of adults and families arriving via the English Channel.

• Incident Management: Calmly handle complex and often difficult situations, maintaining professionalism under pressure.

• Cross-Agency Collaboration: Work alongside port authorities, social services, and law enforcement to maintain site integrity and safety.

Working Hours & Compensation

These are 24/7, 365-day-a-year shift roles. To reflect the high level of flexibility required:

• Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA): You will receive an allowance currently averaging 45.67% of your salary in addition to your monthly pay.

• Flexibility: This allowance compensates for working nights, weekends, and public holidays.

What We Are Looking For

No specific prior experience in immigration is required, as full training is provided. However, you must meet the following baseline criteria:

• Nationality: Must be a UK Citizen.

• Driving: Must hold a full, valid UK manual driving licence.

• Soft Skills: Excellent communication, a customer-focused approach, and the ability to engage with people from incredibly diverse backgrounds.

• Character: Disciplined, organized, and guided by a strong sense of personal ethics and honesty.

About the Role

As an Immigration Officer, you are the face of the Home Office during some of the most critical moments of a claimant’s journey.

The work is fast-paced and emotionally demanding but offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national policy. You will be trained to use advanced biometric and data systems while developing deep expertise in safeguarding and asylum law.

Benefits Package

• Pension: A world-class Civil Service Pension with employer contributions of at least 26.6%.

• Leave: 25 days annual leave, rising with your length of service.

• Development: Tailored learning pathways to help you progress within the Home Office.

• Culture: A diverse and inclusive environment with various flexible working options.

Events & Information

To hear directly from current officers and ask questions, join the live events on Eventbrite (Search for “Immigration Officer Live Events” or use the links provided in the official listing).