UK employs SMS to tackle immigration

Text messages are the new weapon in Britain’s battle to deal with foreigners who overstay their visas, the country’s Home Office revealed Wednesday.

SMS messages will be sent to people who stay in Britain illegally, advising them to prepare to leave the country.

The Home Office said a three-month pilot scheme starts next month and is part of an attempt to crack down on immigrants have overstayed their right to be in the country. It denied the SMS reminder would only target illegal immigrants.

“This is not necessarily about tackling illegal immigration,” a Home Office spokeswoman said Wednesday. “It’s much more about legal immigrants being informed that it is time to leave.”

The Home Office would not reveal how it plans to police immigrants’ phone numbers but the spokeswoman said: “We are already [in touch with immigrants]… this is all about staying in touch, ensuring there is communication.”