People across the UK are being encouraged to verify that their immigration adviser is properly regulated before seeking legal assistance. The Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) has launched a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at protecting individuals from fraudulent and unregulated advisers operating across the UK.
The initiative seeks to increase awareness of the IAA’s role as the independent regulator of immigration advisers while encouraging people to confirm that their adviser is authorised before trusting them with important immigration matters.
Research highlights lack of public awareness
Research conducted by the IAA ahead of the campaign found that many people seeking immigration advice are unaware that immigration advisers in the UK are required to be regulated.
This lack of awareness can leave individuals vulnerable to dishonest practices, poor-quality advice, financial exploitation and serious consequences for their immigration applications.
The findings were particularly concerning for individuals dealing with urgent or complex immigration matters, who may feel pressured to seek immediate assistance without first checking an adviser’s credentials.
“Before you trust them, check them”
At the centre of the campaign is a clear public message: Before you trust them, check them.
The campaign encourages individuals to use the IAA’s free online Adviser Register to verify whether an immigration adviser is legally authorised to provide immigration advice and services in the UK.
By checking an adviser’s registration status, people can make more informed decisions and reduce the risk of falling victim to unregulated operators.
Statement from the Immigration Services Commissioner
Immigration Services Commissioner Gaenor Hart said:
“People seeking immigration advice are often under significant pressure and may be dealing with life-changing decisions. Unfortunately, this can make them vulnerable to unregulated advisers who take advantage of their situation. This campaign aims to give individuals a simple and effective way to protect themselves by checking that their adviser is properly authorised before placing their trust in them. Access to reliable and professional immigration advice is essential to maintaining a fair and effective immigration system.”
IAA continues to tackle illegal immigration advice
The IAA is responsible for setting professional standards for immigration advisers and taking enforcement action against individuals and organisations operating unlawfully or providing inadequate advice.
Through this campaign, the authority hopes to strengthen public confidence in regulated immigration services while supporting advisers who meet the required professional and ethical standards.
Officials believe that improving awareness of regulation within the sector will help individuals avoid costly mistakes that could negatively affect their immigration status or future in the UK.
Campaign to run across the UK
The campaign will run nationwide across social media platforms, digital advertising and public information channels.
Campaign materials have been designed to be accessible, clear and reassuring, with information available in multiple languages to support communities throughout the UK.
The IAA has also confirmed that the campaign is intended to reach individuals at the point where they are most likely to seek immigration assistance.
Public advised to verify advisers before proceeding
The IAA continues to advise members of the public to verify an adviser’s credentials before sharing personal information, paying fees or proceeding with any immigration application.
Individuals can check whether an adviser is authorised by using the IAA’s official online Adviser Register.
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