To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to ensure Olympic athletes do not stay in the UK illegally after the 2012 Games. (174914)

[holding answer 17 December 2007]: Specific border security arrangements will be developed as part of the programme in order to manage the entry into and departure from the UK of Olympic athletes participating in the Games. All athletes competing in the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games must apply for Olympic accreditation in order to take part in the Games. The Border and Immigration Agency will work with the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to issue Olympic Identity and Accreditation Cards to all entitled persons.