The action follows a BBC Panorama investigation in 2014 which found evidence of fraud in two centres. Undercover filming showed an invigilator reading the answers to an exam. Some candidates were instead replaced, with the invigilators aware of the subterfuge. As a result, the then home secretary Theresa May acted to clean up the system. In the three years between 2011 and 2014, over 90 per cent of foreign students were accused of cheated. People who took the tests by over five years ago are still being targeted by immigration officers.
Many candidates have stayed in the country to try to clear their names. But until then, they are barred from the National Health Service, and cannot apply for jobs or rent accommodation. The Home office has refused them the opportunity to sit a new test – even if they are studying at University. They have been told they have no right of appeal and that they must leave the UK.
Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South, has helped many of those affected, describing the situation to newspapers as being potentially “worse than Windrush”.
To try to resolve the problems, a Parliamentary group has been set up. It meets for the first time in May, and MPs will peak with students, lawyers, and judges.
Scarsdale Solicitors – Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale
For UK Student Visa Investigation advice on this or any other issues about immigration from local experts, call Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester, Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham & Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale. We are proud to serve clients in the Manchester, Rochdale and Oldham areas. We combine our expertise in legal matters with a level of customer service that is to the highest standard. If you need help from Manchester Immigration solicitors, Rochdale immigration solicitors or Oldham immigration solicitors, call us today on 0161 660 6050.
