Scotland lambasts paid repatriation for criminals

The controversial facilitated returns scheme for foreign criminals took another blow yesterday with Scottish politicians reacting to news of immigration officials visiting prisons where they have been accused of effectively bribing overseas inmates to depart.

Labeled grubby money in the media the £5,500 incentive packages to return to the offender’s homeland has sparked outrage in Scotland, and elsewhere in Britain, as this is seen by many as a way of rewarding criminals including rapists and murderers.

Cornton Vale women’s prison was in the spotlight after UK Border Agency staff recently visited the institution, allegedly to continue to try and negotiate new offers for inmates. This prompted one Tory MP to decry the system as outrageous.

The system consists mainly of payments by way of grants or sponsorships for offenders to take up a new career or training back home. A cash handout of around £500 is also part of the deal. There is even a discharge payment similar to released British criminals of £46.

Over £3 million was dished out to overseas criminals last year, with average payments being around£2,500. In Scotland, there are presently some 100 foreign nationals in prison. Scottish Prison Service’s have refused to be drawn into the debate saying it is an immigration matter that is handled by the Home Office.

The UK government however has defended the scheme, claiming the long-term cost of keeping criminals in the UK is far greater than enticing them home.