OISC Complaints Scheme Consultation 2019/2020
A consultation on amending the Immigration Services Commissioner's Complaints Scheme under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (as amended)
The OISC seeks to protect consumers by ensuring the continuing fitness and competence of registered advisers and organisations, setting standards for registration and promoting good practice throughout the sector. In addition, it operates a scheme to receive complaints relating to immigration advice (whether or not provided by registered organisations) and it enforces the regulatory regime by identifying and, where appropriate, prosecuting individuals who are acting illegally.
A fundamental review of the Complaints Scheme was undertaken in 2015 to reflect amendments to the Commissioner’s powers implemented by the Immigration Act 2014. There have been no further changes to his powers in relation to complaints processes since that time. However, the Commissioner has continued to seek views from those subject to the scheme (authorised advisers) and from complainants, as to the operation of the scheme and invited feedback from both parties to ensure the scheme operates effectively for all.
This new consultation was launched on 30 October 2019 and remained open until 22 January 2020.
The OISC response to the Consultation was published on 24 March 2020.