Illegal immigrants bribed thousands of pounds to leave Britain will be allowed to apply to return after just two years

The amount of time before they can re-apply for entry is being reduced from the current five-year minimum. Critics said the combination of payouts and swift returns could amount to a fare-paid holiday at British taxpayers’ expense. The new rules will apply to illegal immigrants who have entered Britain without permission, failed asylum seekers and visa over-stayers. It is estimated there are around one million currently in Britain and over the past couple of years nearly 10,000 have taken advantage of departure handouts. The biggest payouts are to failed asylum seekers who can claim up to £1,500 in reintegration assistance including a cash relocation grant of £500. Asylum seekers with children can claim up to £2,000 per person. In 2010, the cost of running the scheme and making the payments totaled £16 million – excluding payments to other illegal migrants, who can receive up to £1,000 worth of assistance. However there are fears the changes could see many migrants returning to Britain despite having already benefited from a British taxpayer-funded scheme. To qualify for the new rules they will have to leave within six months of the date of their final legal appeal. But this definition of a prompt departure means many could still have been here for many years before leaving.