Tough new rules for UK immigration advisors
May 15 2009 by Robbie Ragless
The Home Office has announced “tough new rules” to identify and restrict rogue UK immigration advisors.
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), which is responsible for ensuring that those giving immigration advice are qualified, is to be given greater powers to halt untrained or unscrupulous advisors who can often cause problems for people wanting a UK visa.
If immigration advice is inaccurate or incomplete this can cause distress to the applicant as well as slow down casework, decision making and hearings.
The OISC currently regulates over 1,600 organisations and around 4,000 individuals. The organisation is now to have greater power to access and inspect UK immigration advisors.
It will be able to issue businesses with 'yellow card' warnings to let them know their practices are not meeting the required standard. These would act as notice to improve standards and set out any necessary changes.
Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said: “'Any abuse of our immigration laws will not be tolerated. Attempts to frustrate the system cost the taxpayer money and make it more difficult for people who genuinely need our protection.
“Those responsible will be investigated and prosecuted. The OISC has already undertaken over 75 successful prosecutions, but we need to help them to take tough action earlier.”
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