It is deeply regrettable that due to the actions of the unscrupulous few, many of our members experience hostility simply for discharging their professional duties: this is unacceptable and we again offer our support and solidarity to all our members. It is vital the UK has a fair and effective immigration system that respects human rights and the rule of law. We take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of our members who do their utmost in this regard.
As with any profession there are those who do not maintain those standards and it is right that they should face the necessary regulatory action and we welcome efforts by the Immigration Advice Authority and others to crack down on those offering unlawful advice.
The vast majority of immigration practitioners work tirelessly to help their clients understand the frequent changes to the rules whilst working to the high standard the profession demands of them and ensuring neither the Home Office nor the courts are misled.
ILPA members are required to sign up to our membership guidelines which include the requirements to: maintain the highest traditions of professional service; give sound advice; and not deceive the immigration authorities or the Courts or knowingly allow themselves to be used in any deception. We also run a comprehensive training programme, open to both members and non-members, to ensure practitioners are giving the highest levels of legal advice and can remain up to date with changes in immigration law.
We are therefore appalled to learn of recent reports where unscrupulous, often unregulated, advisors have abused the system, encouraging individuals to intentionally mislead the Home Office in order to seek asylum in the UK. Not only does this risk the integrity of both the immigration system and the legal profession as a whole, but it also makes claiming asylum more challenging for those genuinely in need of refuge, including on the grounds of sexuality, religion, or protection from domestic abuse, and increases hostility towards existing refugees.
We would urge anyone seeking immigration advice to ensure they approach a regulated advisor so they are not caught up in schemes such as the ones uncovered by the BBC. None of the individuals or organisations exposed in the reports are current ILPA members.
We also again call on the Government to increase the access, availability and capacity of legal aid provision, so that everyone has access to justice regardless of their means and that everyone can receive regulated immigration advice so they get the help they need.
- Document Date
- Thursday April 16, 2026