Those subject to immigration control cannot enter or remain in the UK until the debt is paid

Those subject to immigration control and who fail to settle debts of £1,000 or more for NHS treatment will not be allowed to enter or remain in the UK until the debt is paid.

The changes have been laid out in Parliament.

The NHS will provide information that will enable the UK Border Agency to identify the debtors and - when they apply to return to or remain in the UK - to refuse their applications.

The information sharing arrangements are being phased in over the coming months.

It is hoped that the £1,000 threshold will capture 94 per cent of outstanding charges owed to the NHS.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said: "We welcome overseas visitors, but those who use NHS facilities need to pay for them, or they will be barred from coming here."

"It's very simple - pay up or you won't be welcome in the UK."

Further information:
UK Border Agency