any changes on 01/10/08??

[mysteeq]

Hi...i would like to know if there will be any changes made on the 1st october this year for overstayers in the UK?

Thank You[/b]

[jei2]

It's not the Mysticsboard forum sweetheart.

Is there something you're concerned about specifically?

[mysteeq]

Thanx for the warm welcome Jei2!! i'm new to this board and i know exactly which forum this is..i thought i could just ask a general question and get an answer from it..but i guess i was wrong.

anyways the reason i asked this question here is regarding a friend of mine who is a british citizen planning to get married to an overstayer..they both are very confused about the new rule change which is meant to be taking place on oct 1st...if it will be implemented or not?

if so then they can go ahead with the plans to get married back at her country and get the file and paperwork ready here before they go...if the rules are not changing then they can postpone the wedding for a year or so.

i hope thats specific enough ...thanks in advance

[John]

jei2, this is not a mystic board, but one does not need to be a mystic to know that there will be changes coming in on 01.10.08!

As I understand it :-

• the new rules are already in force, but Ministers have announced a transitional period, ending 30.09.08
• so on 01.10.08 the rules affecting overstayers will be in force properly.

This matter has been discussed on the Board before. Please use the search facility to track the issue down.

[jei2]

mysteeq,

I'm sorry if my response came across as sarcastic; it was really meant to be more tongue in cheek. It's always best to just get everything out so that you're not given the wrong advice. It just saves time and confusion.

John,

Since the October changes are already implemented into the rules, I maintain that one would have to be a mystic to know what is going to happen specifically to overstayers in the UK on the 1st. I wish I knew. Sigh...

[John]

I accept that this is in general terms but the fact is that life will continue to get harder. The possible £10000 penalties on employers employing illegal workers are already applying the mind of those minded to employ illegals. And add to the £10000 penalty, knowingly employing illegals can lead to a day in Court, a jail sentence and an unlimited fine.

Of course what is not going to happen is that illegals will suddenly, on 01.10.08, grow a tattoo on their forehead displaying their illegal status. They will get found out gradually, and hopefully others will be dissuaded from entering the country illegally, or overstaying their legal permission.

[jei2]

Of course what is not going to happen is that illegals will suddenly, on 01.10.08, grow a tattoo on their forehead displaying their illegal status.

lol......if only.. But it could make life very interesting, awkward, difficult, vengeful, costly and I suspect in some cases extremely shocking. Given that some people have been living here for many years, have integrated into society and are not even aware that they are here illegally...

Cue the next enforcement ad: "What's in your passport..."?

[John]

Given that some people have been living here for many years, have integrated into society and are not even aware that they are here illegally...

Yes but ..... ! In order to get a Statutory Excuse, effectively exemption from a possible £10000 penalty, the employer will need to see certain documents and retain copies of those. Accepted that in exceptional circumstances there may be people who are not aware that they are illegal .... maybe someone brought to the UK as a young child, who has been in the UK for a number of years, but whose immigration status has never been regularised .... but the document checks that employers will now need to do will gradually find those out.

I accept that those genuinely in ignorance about their situation will be extremely shocked, especially when they find it impossible to obtain employment.