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22/04/2004
Anti-immigration measures sees blitz on bogus marriages
The Home Secretary has announced a crack down on bogus marriages and fake applications from foreign students in a bid to reduce suspected system abuse by illegal immigrants.
Authorisation for marriages involving foreign nationals will be moved to specialist register offices linked to the Immigration Service, under the plans. And in order to obtain authorisation to marry, the couple would need to attend the specialist registrar in person.
According to the proposals, changes will also be made to marriage laws to allow registrars to refuse to conduct suspect marriages while an investigated is carried out.
There will also be new units to bring together caseworking and immigration service expertise to "better analyse intelligence and step up operations" against sham marriages - and bogus colleges.
On scams involving 'foreign students', the Home Office announced a probe into addresses which may be masquerading as educational establishments. An accreditation and monitoring scheme will also be set up to ensure genuine educational establishments are properly registered by the end of the year.
The Home Office will also be notified when students do not turn up for courses.
However, Mr Blunkett said that UK would not shut the door to workers, investors, genuine students, relatives and friends from other countries. He cited a British Council report published this week which stressed the value of foreign students to the economy - estimated to be around £3 billion a year. That figure could rise a further £13 billion by 2020, the study concluded.
"Today’s programme is the result of several month’s work to establish a system in which those applying to study in the UK will only be able to do so at an approved college. We are also stepping up enforcement action to crack down on bogus establishments," he said.
"But we must continue to strive to ensure that our immigration system is robust in preventing those without the right to enter or stay on in Britain from bending the rules. This is an ongoing process – not a question of quick fixes."
Mr Blunkett also announced that quotas for workers in agriculture, hospitality and food processing would be reduced in light of EU enlargement as part of a planned review at the end of May.
(gmcg)
Authorisation for marriages involving foreign nationals will be moved to specialist register offices linked to the Immigration Service, under the plans. And in order to obtain authorisation to marry, the couple would need to attend the specialist registrar in person.
According to the proposals, changes will also be made to marriage laws to allow registrars to refuse to conduct suspect marriages while an investigated is carried out.
There will also be new units to bring together caseworking and immigration service expertise to "better analyse intelligence and step up operations" against sham marriages - and bogus colleges.
On scams involving 'foreign students', the Home Office announced a probe into addresses which may be masquerading as educational establishments. An accreditation and monitoring scheme will also be set up to ensure genuine educational establishments are properly registered by the end of the year.
The Home Office will also be notified when students do not turn up for courses.
However, Mr Blunkett said that UK would not shut the door to workers, investors, genuine students, relatives and friends from other countries. He cited a British Council report published this week which stressed the value of foreign students to the economy - estimated to be around £3 billion a year. That figure could rise a further £13 billion by 2020, the study concluded.
"Today’s programme is the result of several month’s work to establish a system in which those applying to study in the UK will only be able to do so at an approved college. We are also stepping up enforcement action to crack down on bogus establishments," he said.
"But we must continue to strive to ensure that our immigration system is robust in preventing those without the right to enter or stay on in Britain from bending the rules. This is an ongoing process – not a question of quick fixes."
Mr Blunkett also announced that quotas for workers in agriculture, hospitality and food processing would be reduced in light of EU enlargement as part of a planned review at the end of May.
(gmcg)
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