British families could be jailed under immigration rules

New immigration rules could result in the jailing of British families who sponsor family members coming to the country.

New Home Office proposals will see families given fines of up to £5,000 or a jail sentence if their relatives overstay their visa.

As tough as the measures look, they are actually a step down from previous proposals, which included a £3,000 financial bond before relatives could come to the country. The Home Office backed down on that suggestion in the face of a well-organised and sustained campaign by the Asian community.

Families will still be able to enter the UK on a normal tourist visa, but those who have family sponsorship will have applications processed quicker.