Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : Britain’s boring politics goes ‘full Indian’ and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
Suddenly, Britain’s once boring politics has gone ‘full Indian’ in its unpredictability.
Buy your way to permanent residency — illegally
If you happen to be in Britain and don’t have the requisite documents to stay on permanently, you can now buy a work visa. An undercover investigation by the Times has revealed that fake jobs are being sold for up to £20,000.
These fraudulent schemes enable people to obtain visas by presenting sponsorship certificates issued by government-approved companies that falsely claim they are being hired for high-skilled jobs or in sectors where local talent is not available. The documents thus obtained are used to stay in the UK, creating a paper trail to support claims for permanent residency (after five years).
For over four months, the Times was part of 13 Facebook groups for people seeking UK visas. Reporters spoke to 26 agents offering sponsorship and documented more than 250 examples of fake jobs being offered in hospitality, logistics, social care, IT, finance and marketing. Agents and companies demanded payments ranging from £7,000 to £20,000. There was a premium for roles that allowed dependents to live and work in the UK.
‘Those buying sponsorship include people who have lost their sponsored jobs and need a new one within 60 days if they are to remain in the UK. Other agents target international students who want to stay after their graduate visas end,’ the report said.
The government has promised urgent intervention. “We are investigating this illegal activity and it will not be tolerated,” the Home Office said.
But this is not the first time such a scam has been exposed. Probably not the last, either.