Families face fines for visitors who go missing

British residents who sponsor a relative's visa could face fines of at least £1,000 if they go missing under proposals to strengthen border controls.

The Home Office also plans to ban arranged marriages involving foreign teenagers and force most non-European Union visitors to obtain biometric visas.

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Ministers will also consider the impact of immigration on community relations, as well as on schools, hospitals and housing when drawing up policy.

Under a system of "family sponsors", UK residents will be expected to vouch for foreign visitors. They will have to take responsibility for their board and lodging, as well as non-emergency medical care. Liam Byrne, the Immigration minister, said: "I think a fine of £1,000 or more will encourage sponsors to take their responsibilities seriously."

The plan also proposed raising the minimum age for a marriage visa from 18 to 21 to ensure a non-EU spouse or fiance had completed their education.