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BRITS have paid migrants £74 million to leave the country since 2021, according to shocking statistics.
Last year, £22.4 million was spent under the voluntary returns scheme.
Failed asylum seekers being put on a return flight
In 2025, expenses are expected to exceed that total, with nearly £21.5 million allocated in the first six months alone.
Illegal immigrants can receive cards loaded with up to £3,000 to be spent in their home country.
Those eligible to apply include failed asylum seekers, individuals who have overstayed their visas, and victims of modern slavery.
Foreign criminals may also receive up to £2,000 if they agree to leave while still serving their sentence.
The government emphasized that prisoners constitute only a portion of the total, but they could not specify how many.
William Yarwood, from the organization, stated: “Taxpayers will be outraged that they are funding the removal of foreign criminals.
“It always seems to be law-abiding, hard-working Brits who bear the brunt of these decisions.
“The government should cease these payments and limit spending to just the cost of a one-way plane ticket.”
This information follows a report by ITV News , which showed nearly 50 foreign offenders being flown back, each receiving bank cards pre-loaded with up to £2,000. This is part of a scheme that has been in operation since 2006.
Foreign criminals can be deported after serving as little as 30 percent of their custodial sentence.
Ministers argue that this approach saves taxpayers thousands that would otherwise be spent on housing these individuals in prison.
A Home Office spokesperson stated: “The recent report indicated that while we recognize that funding individuals to leave the country through the Voluntary Returns Service is not ideal, it is a more effective and cost-efficient solution compared to detaining individuals or allowing them to remain in the UK during prolonged legal battles against removal.
“These figures represent a snapshot in time. The grants are reviewed regularly, and any unused funds are reclaimed.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently stated that payments to prisoners do not “look good,” but voluntary removal is more economical for the British taxpayer.
FAQ
What is the voluntary returns scheme?
The voluntary returns scheme allows migrants, including failed asylum seekers and individuals who have overstayed their visas, to receive financial assistance to return to their home countries.
How much financial assistance can migrants receive?
Migrants can receive up to £3,000 to spend in their home country, while foreign criminals may receive up to £2,000 if they agree to leave while still serving their sentence.
Why does the government support this scheme?
The government argues that the scheme is a more effective and cost-efficient solution compared to detention or lengthy legal challenges, ultimately saving taxpayer money.
