UK tough visa sanctions

The United Kingdom has announced plans to impose tough new sanctions that could include a large fine and possible imprisonment of people, who fail to ensure that visiting family members leave the UK before their visas expire.



The planned move could significantly affect many Jamaicans who have close family ties in that territory.

A release from the UK Border Agency said people would have to become licensed to sponsor family members to visit from abroad under proposed changes to the visa system.



The sponsors will then have a duty to ensure that their visitors leave before their visas run out or face a ban on having anyone else entering the UK.



They could also face penalties of up to five thousand pounds, or a jail sentence.



Border and Immigration Minister, Liam Byrne, said the changes should help to create fair treatment for persons, who play by the rules, but tough action against those who break the law.



The UK Home Office also announced plans for two new visitor routes for sports people and entertainers, which will allow them to enter the United Kingdom for up to six months.