In 2022, the British government made a significant decision to add Colombia to the UK Visit Visa waiver program. This move, hailed as a diplomatic achievement by Colombian government, marked a new era of Cooperation and trust between the two nations. For Colombians, it was a moment of pride, as years of negotiations under former Presidents, Ambassador and the Foreign Office Affair finally bore fruit. However, just two years later, this privilege is under scrutiny as reports of prolific system abuse raised concerns about reinstating the visa requirement. The visa exemption was intended to encourage tourism and strengthen cultural and economic ties. Unfortunately, for some individuals it has become an opportunity to exploit the system. A concerning trend has emerged: individuals entering the UK on visitor visas only to overstay and submit asylum applications, often with fabricated claims.
Some Colombians are using civil matters as a reasoning of submitting their asylum applications, which do not meet the necessary grounds. This behaviour undermines the asylum system, which is meant to protect those genuinely fleeing persecution. According to reports, many of these individuals finance their journeys through loans in Colombia, intending to overstay in the UK on their visitor, work illegally and claim asylum in the UK.
Adding to this misuse, agencies in Colombia have been identified as selling fraudulent “asylum kits.” These packages include falsified documents and fabricated reports of threats, designed to falsely portray applicants as being in danger. Such practices not only exploit legal loopholes but also harm the credibility of genuine asylum seekers.
The advice these individuals are receiving from these agencies extends far beyond any intent to exploit the systems. The Home Office offers financial assistance to migrants in the UK who seek help to return home. This option is widely known amongst Colombian nationals, many of whom eventually apply for this financial support when they do not want to continue with the asylum claim or when they just simply wish to return to Colombia.
Some individuals ultimately decide to withdraw their asylum applications and seek government assistance to return to their home countries, following either their initial plan or guidance provided by the agencies. The UK’s voluntary returns service offers £3000 in financial support to those leaving the UK, which is provided on a prepaid card. This support is meant to help individuals resettle in their home country, but many have been found using this money for personal needs, such as paying off debts etc.
Asylum applications have seen a dramatic surge in recent years. In 2020, only 11 Colombians applied for asylum, and this figure dropped further to just six in 2021. However, following the introduction of the visa waiver in late 2022, even though it was in effect for less than two months, the number of applications jumped to 118. By the end of 2023, the figure had escalated to a staggering 854 Colombian citizens, according to Home Office data.
Many Colombians seeking to exploit the system engage in illegal work under visitor visas, abusing the system by using falsified documents to prove their right to work. Others exploit loopholes to secure housing, further straining resources meant for legitimate visitors and residents. This raises important questions: How do these individuals manage to gain employment without proper work authorisation? And why aren’t employers and landlords held more accountable for enabling this behaviour?
The British government must also confront its role in enabling this situation. If the visa waiver had not been introduced in 2022, many of these individuals would have remained in Colombia, unable to meet the stricter eligibility requirements for entry. Weak checks at the border and insufficient monitoring have made it easier for these abuses to happen. The question here arises why are UK border officers failing to thoroughly assess visitor visa holders to prevent such misuse? Shouldn’t there be stricter checks in place to identify potential abusers at the point of entry?
We have observed a noticeable increase in enquiries from Colombians seeking to remain in the UK. Many of these individuals present questionable claims and, despite legal advice urging them to follow the rules, their responses often reveal a lack of intention to comply. “We don’t want to go back,” they claim. “We have access to the healthcare, we are working, and since the government has opened these opportunities, we can stay here. The situation in Colombia is not good so we will take the risk to overstay our visa.” Unfortunately, Colombian nationals who have been abusing the system have proven one more time to the British government that Colombian nationals cannot be trusted.
The potential reinstatement of visa requirements poses significant risks for Colombians who adhere to the rules. Genuine visitors, eager to explore the UK or visit family, may face stricter border assessments and lengthy visa processes due to the actions of a few. This raises the question: Can the British government continue to trust Colombian nationals under the current system?
The issue extends beyond individual misuse to systemic failures. Despite being aware of agencies selling fraudulent asylum kits, the UK Home Office has yet to implement stringent measures to prevent such exploitation. This inaction damages the credibility of the UK’s immigration system, and the trust placed in it by genuine visitors. The Home Office must address loopholes in the system, enhance border assessments, and hold agencies selling fraudulent documents accountable. Without these measures, the integrity of the visa waiver system and the trust it was designed to foster will remain at risk.
Morgan Smith Immigration, an award-winning firm with over 20+ years of expertise in UK Visa and Immigration, is here to assist you with all your visa and immigration needs. For any enquiries or assistance, please contact us at 0203 959 3335 or send an email to [email protected]. Stay informed and up to date by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Also, don’t forget to subscribe our channel on YouTube.
