UK government to act tough on bogus marriage visas

United Kingdom, January 11: The British government will introduce tough rules including biometric checks on immigrants to check unofficial immigration in the country.

The latest move by the British government comes in the wake of widespread incidents of bogus marriages for gaining visas by immigrants. 

The investigation undertaken by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was aired on prime time on 7th January, 2010. 

The marriage for visa scam also incidentally involves several Indians in the process of illegal immigration. 

Showing its concerns over such bogus marriages in UK, the present government is taking numerous steps to control illegal workers entering the nation. The government feels that the flood of immigrants is fuelling unemployment in the country. The unemployment numbers in UK have reached a whopping 2.4 million. 

And since the general elections are nearing this spring, the Labor administration feels compelled to take immediate measures to stop bogus marriages. 

The film aired by the BBC showed a man of Pakistani origin applying for marrying a woman of Lithuania in the registrar’s office in London. Apart from the couple, film also showed a gang involving several people of sub-continental origin in the city of Birmingham. 

It may be reminded that the House of Lords has ruled out the scheme of foreigners requiring nod of immigration officials before taking 

marriage vows in the UK saying the scheme was a breach of human rights. 

The MAC (Migration Advisory Committee) of the Home Office has suggested putting a lid on the number of unwanted workers entering the 

boundary of the UK through different channels. Marriage visa scams being one of many such routes taken by the unrecognized workers to gain entry into the UK. The MAC advises revision of post study work path among steps needed to stop illegal marriages in the country. 

Referring to the issue of reconsideration of the 2005 act by the Home Office when all foreigners were required to get approval before getting married in the UK, Phil Woolas, Minister of State for borders and immigration, said the Lords ruling was being regretted by the government. 

The government seeks to bring down the bogus marriages in the country at the earliest.