ID checks fear for Common Travel Area

Human rights group challenges IOM Govt

A Northern Ireland human rights group has challenged the Manx government over proposals for ID checks on ferry passengers.

The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ), based in Belfast, says the move would directly contravene the Common Travel Area agreement (CTA).

This allows unhindered travel between Northern Ireland, the UK, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, without the need to carry official documents.  

According to the Isle of Man government, ID checks at harbours could prevent criminals travelling under a false name - but insists any checks would not conflict with the principles of the CTA.

That position has been challenged by the committee's deputy director Daniel Holder: