Harrow Woman Convicted of Illegally Providing Immigration Advice

29/06/2010

Ruby Akhtar (48) of Harrow, Middlesex was yesterday (28 June 2010) convicted at Southwark Crown Court of illegally providing immigration advice.

Akhtar operated her business, Universal Welfare/ Greenhill Lettings, in Harrow, Middlesex. Her clients, of various nationalities, sought her assistance with their immigration matters.

The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) prosecuted Akhtar for providing unregulated immigration advice.

Akhtar was convicted on two counts of providing immigration advice and sentenced to a three year, conditional discharge on each count to run concurrently.

Mrs McCarthy, the Immigration Services Commissioner, when commenting on the Akhtars conviction said: Where 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 Clyde James, Head of Policy, Publications, and Stakeholders (PPS) at the OISC, on 020 7211 1635.