Coventry woman convicted of giving illegal immigration advice and services

14/04/2011

Latoya Dear, was today 14th April 2011, sentenced at Coventry Magistrates Court, for illegally providing immigration advice and services.

Dear (31) of Fouls Hill Road, Coventry, who pleaded guilty, approached a detainee at Yarls Wood, Immigration Removal Centre, offering to take on her case.  Dear knew that she had to be regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to give immigration advice, but she was not a regulated adviser.  Dears victim later complained to the OISC when she realised that her case was not progressing.
Dear received 4 weeks imprisonment on each count to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months.  She was ordered to pay £1,450 in compensation to her victims, £200 costs to the OISC, and perform 60 hours unpaid community service.

Suzanne McCarthy, the Immigration Services Commissioner said, Where it is clear an individual is flouting the law, the OISC will not hesitate to use the full extent of its powers to stop them.  I am delighted with the outcome of this case, and I hope it sends a clear message to other people considering offering immigration advice - either act within the law or you will find yourself in court.

 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. Since 30 April 2001 it has been a criminal offence for an adviser to provide immigration advice or services unless their organisation:
 has registered with the OISC;
 has been exempted from registration by the OISC or ministerial order; or
is otherwise qualified under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
3.  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. 
4. For more information contact Sharon Harris, Policy, Publications and Stakeholders Assistant at the OISC, on 020 7211 1619.