Bhupesh Baghel's son arrested in Chhattisgarh liquor 'scam' case
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
UK asylum racket: PoK migrants pay ₹58 lakh for fake visas, reveals report
Migrants from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are reportedly entering the UK on visas obtained using falsified documents and later applying for asylum, according to an undercover investigation by The Daily Telegraph. The report claims some applicants are paying as much as £50,000 (around ₹58.5 lakh) for UK visa applications loaded with fake details. One example uncovered by the investigation involved a job reference letter from a 'fake hospital' in Mirpur, submitted as part of an application to the UK Home Office. Fake CVs, false employers and visa success A consultant based in Mirpur, named in the report, allegedly helped forge employment documents for individuals posing as skilled workers. In one instance, an undercover applicant submitted a fabricated CV and reference letter, which ultimately resulted in a successful work visa. Reacting to the allegations, the UK Home Office said it had launched an investigation. 'Illegal activity will not be tolerated and we will stop at nothing to ensure our immigration rules are respected and enforced,' said a Home Office spokesperson. 'We are already taking firm action to disrupt illegal activity when it is found, including suspending licences, pursuing enforcement, and strengthening safeguards to protect the integrity of the immigration system,' the spokesperson added. What the UK immigration white paper says about asylum misuse The report, published on May 12, 2025, noted growing misuse of asylum routes: 1. People claiming asylum after entering on valid visas (with no change in circumstances) 2. Some misrepresent their age to access certain services 3. Overall misuse undermines system integrity and public trust. The document outlined proposed measures to restrict misuse: • New legislation aimed at limiting the use of Article 8 of the Human Rights Act by asylum seekers • Stronger enforcement through e-visas, biometric checks and digital ID to detect overstayers or rule-breakers • Earlier tracking and deportation of foreign national offenders once convicted, even for minor offences According to Home Office data: • Visa applications dropped by 40 per cent over the past year • Around 30,000 people with no legal status were removed • Arrests linked to illegal working rose by 51 per cent New powers are also being introduced to immediately suspend registered immigration advisers and companies suspected of serious abuse. Asylum claims and trends from Pakistan Pakistani nationals currently top the list of asylum claimants in the UK, followed by Afghanistan, Iran and Bangladesh. However, they are not among the largest groups arriving via illegal routes such as small boats. In May 2025, the UK government said it would increase intelligence efforts to track foreign nationals using legal entry channels—like study or work visas—to claim asylum later. 'We are building intelligence on the profile of these individuals to identify them earlier and faster,' a Home Office press release said at the time. Official asylum figures show: • Pakistani asylum applications rose 79 per cent in a year, reaching 10,542 • Pakistan and Afghanistan saw a 53 per cent approval rate • Iran had a 64 per cent grant rate • Syria (98 per cent), Eritrea (87 per cent), and Sudan (99 per cent) had the highest approval rates Among the 40,000 asylum seekers who entered the UK last year on valid visas: • 16,000 were international students • 11,500 had work visas • 9,500 entered as visitors Under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, asylum applicants facing destitution can access financial and housing support, provided they declare all sources of income and assets.
India Today
3 hours ago
- India Today
Op Sindoor Parliament discussion from July 28, government undertakes special prep
A high-stakes showdown over Operation Sindoor is set for July 29 in Parliament, with the government allotting 16 hours each in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha for a special discussion during the ongoing Monsoon Session, India Today has exclusively learnt. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are expected to speak as the Opposition intensifies its demand for discussion in the Lok Sabha will begin from next Monday, followed by the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. While the government has allocated ample time for both Houses, the Opposition had demanded that the discussion begin earlier-from tomorrow itself-but the government did not agree, citing the Prime Minister's foreign debate marks a major political flashpoint following US President Donald Trump's sensational claim that he had "brokered a ceasefire" between India and Pakistan. The Opposition has seized on the statement to press the government for a detailed clarification from the Prime Minister. Calls for a debate on Operation Sindoor had been growing over the past week, with Opposition MPs also demanding responses on the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Opposition has also sought short-duration discussions under various rules on a range of issues and urged that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meet every week to allow regular told India Today that the government is preparing to present its case with "full aggression". Defence Minister Singh has held a series of high-level meetings with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and the three service chiefs to finalise the government's debate has been timed to follow the Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations on July 26, signalling a strategic framing of the military action as a moment of national Sindoor, conducted on May 7, was launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack and involved targeted strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Modi later described it as a "Vijay Utsav" that showcased India's indigenous military strength. The operation, which lasted just 22 minutes, was declared a complete announcing the special discussion, Union Minister JP Nadda reiterated the government's willingness to share all necessary details with the nation. Kiren Rijiju echoed the sentiment, saying such issues deserve meaningful debate and dialogue in after an all-party meeting, Rijiju said, "We are open to discussing important issues like Operation Sindoor in Parliament. There must be coordination between the government and the Opposition to ensure proper functioning of the House."- EndsTune InMust Watch
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Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Business Standard
Govt extends closure of airspace to Pakistani aircrafts till August 23
The Centre has officially extended Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting Pakistani civil aircrafts from entering Indian airspace until August 23, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed. "This extension reflects continued strategic considerations and is in line with prevailing security protocols. Stay tuned for further updates," Union MoS Mohol said in a post on X. The previous NOTAM was going to expire on July 24 (Thursday). Earlier on June 24, the ministry had announced a month long extension of the NOTAM restricting Pakistani aircrafts coming into India. The first NOTAM by India was valid from May 1 to May 23. As per the NOTAM, Indian airspace will not be available for Pakistan-registered aircraft and aircraft operated, owned or leased by Pakistan airlines and operators, including military flights. The restrictions on Pakistani aircrafts were first put during Operation Sindoor, due to increased hostilities between the neighbouring nations in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack which killed 26 people, including one foreign national on April 22 The Indian airspace has been closed for planes operated, owned or leased by Pakistan airlines and operators, including military flights, since April 30. On April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives, India announced a series of measures against Pakistan, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down of the only operational land border crossing at Attari and downgrading of diplomatic ties in view of cross-border links to the massacre. India also launched the decisive Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan with precision strikes. The government is set to hold a 16-hour discussion on Operation Sindoor next week, during the monsoon Parliament Session, according to sources. The discussion will be finalised after a consensus is reached. Opposition parties have been demanding presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the debate on Operation Sindoor. As per sources, since PM Modi will be embarking on a two-nation tour of the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to July 26, the discussion on Operation Sindoor is likely to take place next week. Multiple Opposition MPs have also submitted adjournment motions to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.
