Menu
14/03/2006
Inquiry rejects 'sex for visas' claims
A Home Office inquiry has found that there was no evidence of a "sex for visas' scam being operated among immigration staff.
However, the inquiry did find that immigration staff had engaged in "unprofessional behaviour" towards applicants.
The investigation was launched after a former employee at the Lunar House immigration centre in Croydon claimed that women were being allowed to stay in the country in exchange for sex.
Anthony Pamnani, a former administration officer at the south London centre, made the claims in an interview with The Sun. He told the newspaper that he had quit his job in "disgust" at the behaviour of co-workers, which allegedly included pinning up passport pictures of women considered to be "ugly" on the wall and mocking them.
Mr Pamnani also alleged that Brazilian girls would often be granted longer stays in the UK than their boyfriends for no particular reason. He also alleged that security checks were lax and accused staff of failing to check passports for criminal convictions.
However, the Home Office's Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) found that there was "no evidence" to support the claims that a "sex for visas" scheme had been operated.
However, IND non-executive director Tim Gbedemah concluded that "a few PEO staff were engaged in unprofessional behaviour towards applicants". This included "bypassing the queue, making contact outside the office and inappropriately displaying and making fun of passport photographs."
(KMcA/GB)
However, the inquiry did find that immigration staff had engaged in "unprofessional behaviour" towards applicants.
The investigation was launched after a former employee at the Lunar House immigration centre in Croydon claimed that women were being allowed to stay in the country in exchange for sex.
Anthony Pamnani, a former administration officer at the south London centre, made the claims in an interview with The Sun. He told the newspaper that he had quit his job in "disgust" at the behaviour of co-workers, which allegedly included pinning up passport pictures of women considered to be "ugly" on the wall and mocking them.
Mr Pamnani also alleged that Brazilian girls would often be granted longer stays in the UK than their boyfriends for no particular reason. He also alleged that security checks were lax and accused staff of failing to check passports for criminal convictions.
However, the Home Office's Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) found that there was "no evidence" to support the claims that a "sex for visas" scheme had been operated.
However, IND non-executive director Tim Gbedemah concluded that "a few PEO staff were engaged in unprofessional behaviour towards applicants". This included "bypassing the queue, making contact outside the office and inappropriately displaying and making fun of passport photographs."
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 January 2006
Home Office probe into ‘sex-for-visas’ report
The Home Office is to investigate newspaper claims that male immigration officials granted visas to foreign women in exchange for sex. The claims were made a former employee who worked at an immigration centre in Croydon.
Home Office probe into ‘sex-for-visas’ report
The Home Office is to investigate newspaper claims that male immigration officials granted visas to foreign women in exchange for sex. The claims were made a former employee who worked at an immigration centre in Croydon.
03 March 2015
Footballer Released On Bail Over Underage Sex Claims
England and Sunderland footballer, Adam Johnson, has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of having sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The footballer, 27, was questioned by Durham Police on Monday. Sunderland AFC have suspended the player pending the outcome of the investigation.
Footballer Released On Bail Over Underage Sex Claims
England and Sunderland footballer, Adam Johnson, has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of having sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. The footballer, 27, was questioned by Durham Police on Monday. Sunderland AFC have suspended the player pending the outcome of the investigation.
16 August 2010
Government 'To Axe Mixed-Sex Hospital Wards'
Mixed-sex hospital wards are to be axed in England by the end of the year, the government has announced. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that he had repeatedly expressed "deep frustration" that the practice had not been stopped and said: "Eliminating mixed-sex accommodation is in patients' best interests.
Government 'To Axe Mixed-Sex Hospital Wards'
Mixed-sex hospital wards are to be axed in England by the end of the year, the government has announced. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that he had repeatedly expressed "deep frustration" that the practice had not been stopped and said: "Eliminating mixed-sex accommodation is in patients' best interests.
03 March 2010
Sex Offender Identity Scheme Widens
More parents across the UK have been given the power to identify convicted paedophiles in their community. Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the scheme will improve protection for children by giving members of the public a formal mechanism to enquire about those in contact with young people.
Sex Offender Identity Scheme Widens
More parents across the UK have been given the power to identify convicted paedophiles in their community. Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the scheme will improve protection for children by giving members of the public a formal mechanism to enquire about those in contact with young people.
15 April 2003
New measures to curb sex tourism revealed
Registered sex offenders who travel abroad will have to notify the police if they plan to be away for three days or more, under new measure designed to tighten laws governing sex offenders. The government's Sexual Offences Bill today which will also see sex offenders required to give the police seven days notice of their intention to travel.
New measures to curb sex tourism revealed
Registered sex offenders who travel abroad will have to notify the police if they plan to be away for three days or more, under new measure designed to tighten laws governing sex offenders. The government's Sexual Offences Bill today which will also see sex offenders required to give the police seven days notice of their intention to travel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
