"This is the biggest extension of Theresa May’s plans to create a 'hostile environment' for illegal immigrants in Britain," the British daily said in an exclusive report. The new legislation requires the banks to check the identity of every current account holder against a Home Office supplied database held by an anti-fraud organisation, Cifas. Safeguards are included to prevent the closure of a bank account which would leave the account holder without the subsistence means to live. Other measures include “right to rent” checks with heavy fines for landlords who let homes to illegal migrants, checks on driving licences and tougher measures against illegal working. Banks have also been told there is no requirement on them to contact account holders or require additional documentary evidence as part of the check.

Source: bd News24 September 22, 2017 20:37 UTC