Record number of OISC regulated immigration advisers revealed in Annual Report
11/05/2008
A RECORD number of immigration advisers are now regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), according to figures published by the OISC today (July 14).
The OISC's Annual Report for 2007/08 shows there were 4,061 advisers and 1,680 organisations in the scheme during that period.
Immigration Services Commissioner, Suzanne McCarthy, said: "OISC immigration advisers have to be fit and competent to be accepted into my regulatory scheme. Good immigration advice is in the interests of both clients and advisers."
The Commissioner also has powers to prosecute illegal advisers. The report shows that 145 criminal investigations into illegal advisers were completed during 2007/08 and that currently 224 cases are being conducted. Figures also show there were 66 successful prosecutions of immigration advisers since the OISC began operating in 2001. The public provided the greatest source of information.
The Immigration Services Commissioner can also receive complaints about immigration advisers. There were almost 500 Complaints about immigration advisers in 2007/08. There with 383 complaints against OISC regulated immigration advisers investigated, including some cases carried over from the previous year. Of those 383 complaints the OISC closed 257.
PDF copies can be viewed on the OISC website from 12 noon on Monday July 14 at www.oisc.gov.uk or requested from the OISC by emailing info@oisc.gov.uk
Notes to the Editor:
- The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) is an independent public body set up under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
- It is a criminal offence to give immigration advice or services in the UK unless you are regulated by the OISC, a regulated solicitor, barrister or legal executive or European equivalent or exempted by Ministerial Order.
- For more information contact David Ward, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at the OISC, on 020 7211 1609.
