overstaying ex-student exiting

[macanhitam]

hi,
i am an international student graduated in UK. upon graduation in 2004, i try to apply for work permit jobs before my student visa expires. just right before it expired, i got a job offer. since time is running out, i had to leave UK to return to my native country malaysia; and that was 2004 year end. I re-entered UK in 2005 as ordered by my 'potential employer. Something bad happened, when the employer experienced some hiccups in the work permit application, and i was left in a limbo after the potential employer refused to carry it further.

Being penniless at that time makes things worse. Added with sheer frustration, I had to resort in doing odd jobs in takeaway and restaurant to accumulate funds to return. By then, it was already too late. Being unable to have a full-time job prolonged by stay further until today. I know that was wrong but if i knew things is going to be this bad, i wouldnt have obeyed that 'potential' employer to return to UK in the first place. But anyway, I will be leaving in 2 days after years of being 'statusless' here.

I am delighted that i will be leaving but, i am tad worried about exiting UK. What are the consequence and risk that i might face? I am exiting via Stansted for a direct flight this Saturday and i wont come back to UK for good after this (maybe for visits in the near future perhaps?). i know my status has already been marred, but of course if possible i wouldn't want to be blacklisted only to face inconveniences in the future if i were to visit UK again next time.

i have heard alot of hear-say that even volunteer exiters will be arrested, questioned, being put on thorough checks etc etc. some even say some airports are less stricter than others, and there's chances of getting away with it unnoticed, while others like heathrow is much much stricter.

i am only worried what if they arrest me, put me on questioning until i missed my flight, confiscated my money and so on, how the hell am i going to return when my intentions are to correct the incorrectness i have made?

I know my post will attract immediate hammering on me, but if there's one mistake that im going to make it right, i am making it right now by exiting UK. please give me your most honest opinion on this matter to cease my worries. thanks

cheers.

[Mr Rusty]

You will not be arrested. Your money will not be confiscated. You will be allowed to catch your flight.
You may be required to produce your passport for a check as you enter the departure lounge. If it is apparent to the officers from your passport that you are an overstayer, they may hold you up briefly and ask a few questions. No need to go into too much detail, just give them the basic facts.
Your offence may be recorded, and you may be subject to a ban on seeking re-entry to the UK, or applying for a visa (see Para 320 7B of the Immigration Rules). In your case, as you are leaving voluntarily at your own expense, this ban should be for no more than one year. Thereafter, any application you make to enter or travel to this country should be treated on its merits - i.e. your overstay is a black mark against you, but if your circumstances have changed for the better and you can show a genuine reason for coming to the UK, you should be allowed in.

[macanhitam]

You will not be arrested. Your money will not be confiscated. You will be allowed to catch your flight.
You may be required to produce your passport for a check as you enter the departure lounge. If it is apparent to the officers from your passport that you are an overstayer, they may hold you up briefly and ask a few questions. No need to go into too much detail, just give them the basic facts.
Your offence may be recorded, and you may be subject to a ban on seeking re-entry to the UK, or applying for a visa (see Para 320 7B of the Immigration Rules). In your case, as you are leaving voluntarily at your own expense, this ban should be for no more than one year. Thereafter, any application you make to enter or travel to this country should be treated on its merits - i.e. your overstay is a black mark against you, but if your circumstances have changed for the better and you can show a genuine reason for coming to the UK, you should be allowed in.

thanks for the reply mr.rusty. at least by knowing this im already prepared to face whats coming. cheers