Massive Student Visa Fraud Revealed

[Machaut]

Immigration Minister James Brokenshire told the Commons that an inquiry into abuse of the student visa system had found evidence of criminal activity, which would now be investigated fully.

The probe followed a BBC Panorama investigation earlier this year. The Panorama programme broadcast in February sent non-EU students - who were already in the UK legally - undercover. They posed as bogus students with poor English, who wanted to remain in the UK to work illegally.

An estimated 48,000 immigrants may have fraudulently obtained English language certificates despite being unable to speak English, the government has said.

Of the 48,000 certificates, 29,000 were invalid and 19,000 were "questionable".

Mr Brokenshire continued: "It is likely that the true totals will be higher."

"The government is not prepared to tolerate this abuse," he said.

"Since the start of February immigration enforcement officers, with the support of the National Crime Agency, together with officials from UK Visas and Immigration, have been conducting a detailed and wide-ranging investigation into actions by organised criminals to falsify English language tests for student visa applicants.

"They've also investigated a number of colleges and universities for their failure to ensure that their students meet the criteria set out in immigration rules."

Each year, around 100,000 non-EU students get their visas to stay in the UK extended.

BBC News - Scale of student visa fraud condemned as 'truly shocking'