Illegal immigrants will not be able to open bank accounts or obtain driving licences under new laws to be unveiled by the Coalition on Thursday.
The government's new Immigration Bill will also require foreigners from outside the European Union to pay a £200 fee to use the NHS.
The Bill will give the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency the power to check the visa status of people applying for a license whilst overstayers will have their licenses cancelled.
Bank staff will be legally required to check applicants’ details against databases held by anti-fraud organisations whilst landlords will be obliged to check the immigration status of potential tenants.
Ministers said the changes will make life harder for illegal immigrants in Britain, reducing the “pull factors” that encourage people to remain without permission.
Mark Harper, the immigration minister, said the Coalition was striking a balance between legitimate immigrants who benefit the economy and illegal immigration.
“We will continue to welcome the brightest and best migrants who want to contribute to our economy and society and play by the rules,” he said. “But the law must be on the side of people who respect it, not those who break it.”
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