Immigrants in Thurrock were asked to make a 40-mile round trip to central London - because the Government did not realise the borough was part of Essex.
Immigration reportees were told to report to Becket House in Bermondsey.
Des Browne, minister of state for immigration, said: "Becket House has been involved in a project recalling immigration reportees who are still attending police stations within the area of the Metropolitan police district.
"As part of this process, Becket House has written to police stations instructing them to advise such persons to report, in future, to Becket House.
"Unfortunately, on May 21, 2004, such a letter was sent in error to Thurrock police station, which borders Becket House's operational area but is, in fact, outside the Metropolitan district.
"This error has now been rectified and the persons involved informed that they should continue to report to Thurrock."
Published Wednesday June 30, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article