Discriminatory targeting of travellers by border control officials

Discriminatory procedures may be applied to certain categories of travellers. These may include deliberate delays in the process of obtaining a visa, requiring repeated visits and lengthy waiting in queues. Whether or not a visa has been obtained, travellers may be subject to harassment by immigration officials at the point of entry, without any ability to appeal against such treatment for fear of official reprisal.

Travellers from developing countries are routinely humiliated during interviews by consular and immigration officials when seeking to enter industrialized countries.

1. Governments are obliged to use tough procedures in order to distinguish legitimate visitors from those endeavouring to enter or settle in a country illegally.

1. Unethical practices concerning movement of people
2. Travel risks
3. Restrictions on freedom of movement among countries
4. Harassment
5. Corruption of customs and excise officials

1. Restrictive border controls
2. Exploitation of cross-border differentials

1. Victimization
2. Self-control
3. Impediment
4. Harassment
5. Discrimination [D]