A 44 year old woman has been given a suspended sentence for providing unqualified immigration advice and immigration services.
Ms. Ghazala Nazir of Jubilee Close, Pinner, Middlesex, was sentenced today, 18 January 2019, at Southwark Crown Court after being found guilty of both counts on 12 December 2018, following a trial also at Southwark CC.
Ms. Nazir received: • For each count, a twelve month prison sentence, to be run concurrently and suspended for two years. • A Rehabilitation Activity Requirement of 60 days. • A Compensation Order to be paid to the complainant of £1050
The offences took place between 1 July 2015 and 26 September 2016 in Dalston, Hackney, East London. The complainant, who believed Ms. Nazir to be a qualified person working for a firm of solicitors, paid her to prepare and submit applications for him to remain in the UK.
Errors made by Ms. Nazir caused a delay in the process resulting in inconvenience and stress to the complainant, as well as financial loss.
In sentencing HH Judge Gledhill QC said: "A message must go out loud and clear to people who attempt to get easy money from people in vulnerable positions, that if they are caught the consequences will be severe."
Speaking about the decision, Deputy Immigration Services Commissioner, Dr Ian Leigh, said: "These offences are serious. Immigrants often find themselves in a vulnerable position and require the support of qualified and regulated immigration experts. Ms. Nazir demonstrated what can happen when unqualified individuals hold themselves out as immigration advisers."
Notes to the Editor
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.
For further information contact Cornelius Alexander. Corporate Communications Officer at the OISC on
