What can you do as an Overseas Student if stopped by the UK Police?

As an Overseas Student in the UK, you may be clueless if you are stopped by the authorities such as the UK Police. Police are present often in the bustling areas for ensuring safety. The UK Police are permitted to stop and question people at any time.

The Police can stop an Overseas Student and enquire details. This includes the name, the reason for presence in the area, and the destination that you are headed to.

Nevertheless, you are not obliged as an overseas student to answer these questions. You also cannot be charged for not obliging. You can say that you are exercising the right to remain silent or walk away. It must, however, be ensured that this is done in a polite and calm manner, as quoted by the Study International.

A Police officer can ask to search you if they suspect criminal activity and have reasonable grounds. This could be a suspicion that you are carrying illegal weapons or drugs. It could also be stolen property or object for committing the crime such as kitchen knife.

You must remain calm during the search and comply with the UK Police. Aggression or anger will only make the situation worse. The Police must reveal their name and police station prior to the search. They can ask the Overseas Student to remove gloves, hat or coat. Turban, headscarf or religious clothing may also be asked to be removed. However, you must be taken to a private area for safeguarding your modesty.

If the UK Police have no ground to issue a warrant to you and you are not guilty, you can explain to them that they have no right to search you. But if there are grounds and reasons for the search you cannot refuse. The UK Police must also display their ID at the time of the search.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to UK, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration and Visa Company.

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