Responding to the BBC’s report on rogue immigration advisers, Dr Zubaida Haque, Head of Policy, Programmes and Media at AdviceUK said:
“We are really saddened to hear people desperately needing advice are exploited by rogue immigration advisers charging extortionate fees for poor and negligent advice. Our members in the independent advice sector regularly observe this. The impact on individuals can be catastrophic. The Brushstrokes Community Project has also told us they have seen an alarming rise in poor legal advice from ‘TikTok’ lawyers and registered ones who do not put advice in writing and charge extortionate rates.”
“Our members also tell us that it is critical for vulnerable individuals to have access to accredited, free, independent, accessible advice about immigration and asylum issues in order to understand their options and make informed decisions. This is why at AdviceUK, we are calling for more resources and support for the free and independent advice sector.”
“As one of our members at AdviceUK have pointed out, LGBTQ+ asylum seekers already face significant barriers in evidencing their asylum claims. We are concerned that unregulated rogue immigration advisers, exploiting vulnerable people who are desperate, make genuine asylum claims from LGBTQ+ people much harder.”
About AdviceUK
AdviceUK is a national charity and the largest network of independent advice centres in the UK, delivering free specialist advice to millions of people each year on a diverse range of issues. Run by and for its nearly 700 members, we provide support, a community and development opportunities for members, as well as a voice on issues that affect them.
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