Life in the UK, for those who have overstayed their visas or are without a valid visa, has become very destitute. Working like slaves with only twenty percent of the minimum wage, in some cases earning just a pound or two per hour.
The immigration rules have become so strict that:
a) their bank account could be frozen and those who have no bank account would not be able to open one.
b) they would not be able to apply for a driving license and if they have one, the DVLA would invalidate and revoke it.
c) they cannot get a proper job and an employer caught employing over stayers or people without a valid document would be fined £10,000 per worker.
d) they cannot rent a flat or a house with a rent book or legal documents. The property owners would be prosecuted if renting a place to such people and could be fined up to £20,000.
e) they cannot access NHS treatment and would end up paying thousands of pounds for any serious illness.
f) if they are arrested, they would spend several weeks and months in a detention centre and banned from entering the UK for 10 years. People caught in this situation need sympathy, guidance and explanation as to why every route is a no entry for them. In order to assist these people, Confederation of Indian Organisations (UK) (CIO), established 42 years ago, has launched a “Voluntary Departure” project.
CIO’s spokesman emphasised, “We are not working for the Home Office but working with them and Indian establishment, in order to facilitate the over stayers to return to their country either voluntarily or with assistance. CIO aims to alleviate the miserable and fearful live they live in the UK, gracefully exit and live a full and dignified life in the country of their origin”.
