The Home Office Has Suspended Checks On UK Bank Accounts After Windrush Scandal

HATCHET BAY, Bahamas - May 25, 2018 - PRLog -- The Windrush scandal was an incident where thousands of immigrants who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean were being threatened with deportation due to their landing documents being destroyed in 2010 (whilst Theresa May was Home Secretary). The "Windrush Generation" were drafted here from their home countries to help rebuild Britain after the war, arriving between 1948 and 1971. They were granted permanent Visas in return for their support.

The Home Office were planning to contact various banks (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/sep/21/uk-banks-to-check-70m-bank-accounts-in-search-for-illegal-immigrants) for vigorous checks in an attempt to create what they're referring to as a "hostile environment" for illegal immigrants. It would mean that anyone who has opened a bank account illegally, as it would show they are not a legal citizen, would face consequences including most likely; deportation.

Who will this affect?

For those who have legally obtained the right to live and work in the UK, whether through a Spouse Visa (https://iasservices.org.uk/partner-visas/), Sponsored Worker Visa or Studying Visa, this is nothing to worry about. The movement was only an attempt to calm down on those who are living in the UK illegally.

However, just as the process was underway, the Windrush scandal was at it's peak. Therefore, the Home Office have decided to withdraw their plans for the time being, after facing backlash and scrutiny. A spokesperson for the Home Office said "we have decided to temporarily reduce the scope of the checks…", detailing their review into the safeguarding of citizens who may not be here legally.

What happens now?

It is not yet known when the process will resume. The government are still feeling the aftermath of the Windrush Scandal (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43782241), and are presumably looking for better ways to tackle the issues of illegal citizens. It is safe to say that the Home Office are under scrutiny, so whatever their next move is will inevitably met with criticism from some.