The visa system should not be run as a money-making scam

There is nothing wrong with the principle of reasonable charges for passports and visas, but the aim should be to cover costs, rather than to make a profit for the taxpayer

We report alarming evidence today that the profit motive is being brought into immigration decisions in ways that may distort the impartial administration of a sensitive public service.

Since the UK visa system was outsourced five years ago to VFS, a Dubai-based company, immigration lawyers say the quality of service has deteriorated, and that visa applicants feel pressured by aggressive sales pitches to buy “premium” services they do not need.

This follows concern about the contracting of the Home Office’s in-country visa system to Sopra Steria, a French company, in November, which has, according to lawyers, led to unlawful and incorrect decisions and inflated prices.