Private firm enlisted to track down visa outstayers

A private company is in line for a £30m payment from the taxpayer if it tracks down more than 170,000 immigrants who have overstayed their visas, the head of the troubled UK Border Agency (UKBA) disclosed yesterday.

Capita is being brought in to reduce the number of people who have failed to return home after being refused permission to remain in Britain. The move is the latest evidence of the increasing use of the private sector for government work and will be seen as a further vote of no confidence in the UKBA.

The outsourcing company will target an estimated 174,000 "outstayers" by establishing their whereabouts, contacting them, warning them they have to leave the country and giving practical advice on their departure. It will not be involved in removing them from the country but will pass details of people who refuse to comply to immigration officers.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/private-firm-enlisted-to-track-down-visa-outstayers-8153533.html