UK pushes safer immigration advice system with new public campaign

The UK’s Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) has launched its first nationwide awareness campaign urging people to verify whether immigration advisers are officially regulated before seeking help with visa and immigration matters.

The campaign aims to protect people from fraudulent and unregulated advisers who may provide incorrect guidance, charge excessive fees or misuse applicants’ personal information.

UK asks migrants to verify advisers before seeking help

Under the campaign slogan “Before you trust them, check them,” the IAA is encouraging people to use its free online Adviser Register to confirm whether an immigration adviser is authorised to provide legal immigration advice in the UK.

The regulator said many people seeking immigration support, especially those dealing with urgent or complex cases, are unaware that immigration advisers must be regulated. According to the IAA, this lack of awareness increases the risk of scams, poor advice, financial losses and damage to immigration applications.

Gaon Hart, Immigration Services Commissioner, said: “People seeking immigration advice are often vulnerable and under significant pressure and it’s vital that they receive urgent expert advice. Unfortunately, that can make them targets for unregulated advisers.”

“This campaign gives people a simple way to protect themselves – by checking their adviser is properly authorised before placing their trust in them,” Hart said.

Campaign to run across social media and public advertising

The IAA said the campaign will run nationwide through paid social media promotions, digital platforms and outdoor advertising. Campaign material has been prepared in multiple languages to reach communities across the UK.

The authority said the initiative also aims to strengthen confidence in regulated immigration advisers who meet official professional standards.

The IAA regulates immigration advisers in the UK and takes action against individuals or businesses operating illegally or offering substandard advice. It has also asked people to use its Adviser Finder service to locate registered immigration advisers.