Sky News has discovered the shocking reality of some illegal immigrants who have been residing in the UK for years after overstaying their study permits. 

The report, which aired on August 9, 2023, includes interviews with two people who acknowledged breaching immigration rules and residing in the nation without legal status. The report also detailed the actions being taken by the Home Office to crack down on this issue and expel those who have no right to remain in the UK.

Overstaying Students: Dhanabal and Suresh's Journey

One of those interviewed, Dhanabal, described his experience entering the UK on a student visa through an agency that organised his admission to a university. He paid a significant quantity of money to obtain this opportunity. 

However, his visa expired, leaving him in a perilous situation where he had to rely on cash-in-hand jobs to make ends meet. Dhanabal's tale exemplifies the despair that might drive some students to overstay their visas and seek unauthorised jobs to survive.

Suresh, on the other hand, has stayed in the UK for seven years despite never starting the programme he allegedly registered in. He applied for a visa in multiple nations and he was eventually able to obtain a UK visa. Suresh's story reflects the complexities of the student visa procedure, in which individuals may choose admission into a certain country over education.

Government's Response: Steps to Tackle Overstaying

The exposé has led the UK Home Office to review its visa policy and enforcement procedures. According to Chief Political Correspondent, Jon Craig, several initiatives are being made to address the issue of overstaying students:

Crackdown on Dependents

One solution entails strengthening requirements for student visa applicants' dependents. This measure is intended to discourage people from utilising student visas to bring family members to the UK, emphasising the primary objective of education.

Restricting Visa Switching

The Home Office intends to make it impossible for students to change from a student visa to a work visa. By limiting this transition, the government hopes to prevent students from overstaying under the excuse of looking for work after finishing their education.

Clamping Down on Unscrupulous Agents

Unscrupulous education agents have aided in visa abuse. The Home Office is taking steps to crack down on unscrupulous agents and hold them accountable for misleading pupils.

The Sky News investigation acts as a wake-up call, focusing light on the unfair advantage taken by those on Student visas. While many international students pursue their studies honestly and contribute constructively to the UK, incidents like Dhanabal and Suresh highlight the need for tougher enforcement and more stringent measures to avoid misuse.

FAQS

What are the ramifications for students who overstay their visas in the UK?

Overstaying a visa can result in serious consequences such as deportation, re-entry restrictions, and difficulties getting future visas for any nation. It can also have a negative impact on a person's immigration record.

How can unscrupulous education agents contribute to visa overstays?

Unscrupulous education agencies may contribute to visa misuse by giving incorrect information, organising fraudulent admissions, or urging students to overstay their visas. Such agents prey on vulnerable students, putting them in situations that may lead to overstaying.