Banks join bid to flush out illegal immigrants

BANKS and building societies have started immigration checks on millions of current accounts under a Government crackdown.

The scheme was introduced by ministers as part of attempts to create a ‘hostile environment’ for those in the UK unlawfully.

It requires banks and building societies to check the immigration status of all current account holders against details of known illegal migrants held by authorities.

Where an illegal migrant is found to be operating an account, this will be flagged to the Home Office.

After checks, officials will instruct the bank or building society on what action to take, which could include shutting the account.

Immigration minister Caroline Nokes said: ‘These new measures are part of our commitment to make it more difficult for people with no

‘No clear means of redress’

right to live or work in the UK to remain here.’ The Home Office said it was only sharing details of illegal migrants liable for deportation from the UK, or who have absconded from immigration control.

Those with outstanding applications or appeals will not be affected – including asylum seekers – nor will those who have been granted leave to be in the UK, including refugees, the department added.

But Chai Patel, of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, claimed the Home Office frequently makes mistakes.

He added: ‘What is shocking about this system is that people’s bank accounts, which they rely on for their jobs, their homes, and every aspect of life, can be closed with no clear means of redress or compensation in case of errors’.