A 36-year-old man who pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court, to two counts of providing unqualified immigration advice and two counts of providing immigration services, has received a suspended prison sentence.
Yasser Mahmood of Heywood Street, Manchester, was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, 20 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, 100 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £480 compensation on 8 June.
Mr Mahmood provided unqualified immigration advice and services between October 2016 to February 2018 from offices in Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester despite his registration having been cancelled by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) .
Specifically, he gave immigration advice about visa and entry clearance applications when not qualified to do so and corresponded on behalf of others with the Home Office, again when he was not qualified to do so.
Recorder Prior QC said: "You caused [a complainant] substantial difficulties and upset. He lost the right to work. He had to become dependent on benefits. He was categorised as an overstayer, which caused him some shame, and he was obliged to report to the immigration authorities. He tells us he lost his income as a result. The consequences for him were very substantial indeed. "
Immigration Services Commissioner John Tuckett said: "Mr Mahmood dishonestly allowed people to put their trust and future in him when he was not regulated and even misled a client.
"This sentence clearly demonstrates that if people are considering providing immigration advice, they must ensure that they are lawfully qualified to do so."
Notes
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The OISC is an independent public body, established under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, to regulate the provision of immigration advice and services in the UK.
