Thousands of migrants exploit loophole to claim benefits cash

THOUSANDS of immigrants have exploited a legal loophole to claim millions of pounds in benefits they should not be entitled to, an investigation has revealed.

- By Jonathan Walker Whitehall Editor

Court rulings based on European human rights laws have forced Britain to hand over payments such as universal credit and child benefit.

The loophole involves migrants who come to the UK on visas which are designed to ensure they do not become a burden on taxpayers by stating that they have “no recourse to public funds”.

The arrivals then apply to the Home Office to have this restriction lifted by claiming they are destitute and cannot afford housing costs. Many of the appeals are successful.

Think tank Onward, led by former Tory Cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke, has exposed the practice in what he called a “devastating” report.

Sir Simon said: “Britain’s immigration system is a disaster. At every turn we find new incentives that draw in thousands of migrants who we all end up paying for and who are progressively eroding’ our social cohesion.

“This new report shows in devastating detail how our welfare system is being further undermined by legal loopholes that allow access to benefits even before settlement is granted. This isn’t compassionate — it’s uncontrollable.”

Those able to take advantage of the loophole include people with visas allowing them to live with family members in the UK.

They are not British citizens and do not have indefinite leave to remain.