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Temporary Exclusion Order (TEO) definition and meaning | AML glossary

What is a Temporary Exclusion Order (TEO)? Definition and AML compliance meaning.

Temporary Exclusion Order (TEO) definition: What it means in AML compliance.

A Temporary Exclusion Order (TEO) is a legal measure used by the UK government to control the return of individuals suspected of terrorism-related activities abroad. Introduced under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, a TEO prevents a UK citizen from re-entering the country unless they comply with specific conditions.

How does a temporary exclusion order work?

A TEO allows the government to:

  • Restrict re-entry of individuals who are suspected of involvement in terrorist activities abroad.
  • Require compliance with conditions, such as reporting requirements and de-radicalisation programmes.
  • Monitor returnees, ensuring security agencies can assess and mitigate any risks.

A person subject to a TEO must apply for a permit to return to the UK and may face additional restrictions upon arrival.

Why are temporary exclusion orders important?

TEOs help authorities prevent terrorism threats, particularly from individuals returning from conflict zones where they may have received extremist training. They are a counter-terrorism tool aimed at disrupting potential threats before they materialise on UK soil.

How businesses can mitigate risks related to TEOs.

Companies, particularly those in financial services, legal sectors, and security-sensitive industries, should:

How technology supports compliance with counter-terrorism measures.

AML screening and compliance tools help businesses identify high-risk individuals, monitor transactions, and ensure regulatory compliance. By integrating automated risk detection, firms can reduce exposure to financial crime and national security risks.

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