The UK government has disbursed £74 million to assist migrants in leaving the country since 2021, according to recent figures. Last year alone, £22.4 million was allocated for cash handouts under the voluntary returns scheme, and the amount is expected to exceed that total in 2025 with nearly £21.5 million already disbursed in the first half of the year, reports BritPanorama.
Migrants can receive cards preloaded with sums up to £3,000 that are intended for use in their home countries. Eligible recipients include failed asylum seekers, individuals overstaying their visas, and victims of modern slavery.
Additionally, foreign criminals may receive up to £2,000 if they agree to depart while serving their sentences. The Home Office confirmed that these criminals represent only a fraction of the total eligible for the scheme, although specific numbers were not disclosed.
Critics, including William Yarwood from the TaxPayers’ Alliance, voiced concerns about taxpayer money being used to facilitate the departure of foreign offenders. “Taxpayers will be furious that they’re coughing up to kick out foreign criminals,” Yarwood stated, highlighting the burden on law-abiding UK citizens. He called for an end to the payments, suggesting they be limited to the cost of a one-way ticket home.
This revelation follows reports from ITV News, which captured footage of nearly 50 foreign offenders being repatriated to Romania, each armed with a bank card worth up to £2,000. This scheme, active since 2006, allows for the removal of foreign criminals after they have completed as little as 30% of their custodial sentences.
Ministers argue that the programme saves taxpayers money compared to the costs associated with housing offenders in prison. A Home Office spokesperson stated, “While we understand that paying for 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 lengthy legal challenges against removal.”
“These figures are a snapshot in time. The grants are reviewed periodically, and any unused funds are recouped,” the spokesperson added.
