Fines or jail warning over visa visitors

Date published: 26/06/2008

Families who fail to ensure relatives coming to Britain leave before their visa expires could now face jail, under the Government’s latest crackdown on illegal immigration.

People will have to become licensed to sponsor family members to visit from abroad under proposed changes to the visa system announced by ministers yesterday.

The change will mean sponsors have a duty to ensure that their visitors leave before their visa runs out or face being banned from bringing anyone in in future and fines of up to £5,000 or a jail sentence.

Border and immigration minister Liam Byrne said: “Now we are introducing an Australian-style points system for selective migration, it makes sense to tighten visit visas at the same time.

“The changes will help create a fairer Britain with fair treatment for those who play by the rules, but tough action against those who break the law.

“We want the UK to stay open and attractive for both business and visitors. But at the same time we are determined to deliver a system of border security which is among the most secure in the world.”

The crackdown follows a consultation of both UK communities and foreign communities abroad.