Camden Immigration Adviser convicted of providing Illegal Immigration Advice and Services

31/08/2011

Nicholas George, was today, sentenced at Southwark Crown Court for nine counts of illegally providing immigration advice and services

George ran his business Abraham George & Associates International Law Practice in Camden, north London.  He was allowed to give advice on initial applications only.  He exceeded his authorisation and appeared as an advocate before the First Tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber).  He knew that he was acting illegally.

The OISC removed Georges accreditation to lawfully give immigration advice in September of 2010.

He was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and to a community order to conduct 100 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months.

Speaking about the decision, Immigration Services Commissioner Suzanne McCarthy said: The OISC is here to ensure that people seeking immigration advice are treated fairly by people they can trust.  We have clear standards outlining what we expect in terms of the fitness and competence of regulated advisers.

Notes to the Editor:

1. The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) is an independent public body set up under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

2. The OISC is responsible for ensuring that all immigration advisers fulfil the requirements of good practice. The OISC is committed to the elimination of unscrupulous advisers and the fair and thorough investigation of complaints. Whilst it does not regulate solicitors it does take complaints against solicitors.

3. The OISC is statutorily obliged to provide a Code of Standards and Rules for the Immigration Advice sector to abide by. Breach of these can lead to a ban for advisers to provide immigration advice or services.

4. For more information contact Clyde James, Head of Policy, Publications and Stakeholders at the OISC, on 0207 211 1635.