Guernsey based resident Convicted of Illegally Providing Immigration Advice and Services

13/05/2010

A Guernsey woman, Angelique Blin (49) was yesterday (12 May 2010) convicted on 3 counts of illegally providing immigration advice and services at Southwark Crown Court.

Blin knew she was obliged to be regulated to provide such services in the UK and deliberately flouted that requirement.  This legal obligation was established to protect vulnerable people.

The Office of the Immigration Services (OISC) decided to prosecute Blin on the basis of the complaints made against her.

Blin received a Conditional Discharge of 18months on each count to run concurrently, and ordered to pay £2,200 in compensation and £2,000 in cost.

Speaking about the conviction, 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 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. Ms Blin had previously been regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) between October 2004 and November 2006, but was de-registered in November 2006. 

3. 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

4. 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. 

5.  For more information contact Sharon Harris, Policy, Publications and Stakeholders Assistant at the OISC, on 0207 211 1619