An Indian-origin man has been handed a community sentence and fines after pleading guilty to providing unregulated immigration advice in the UK.
Balvinder Singh Madan must complete 80 hours of unpaid work as per the Westminster Magistrates Court in London order last month after admitting to one count of the criminal offence at an earlier court appearance, the UK's Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) said in a statement on Wednesday.
The 40-year-old from Southall in west London must also cover prosecution costs as well as pay 600 pounds compensation to the victim and a 85 pounds victim surcharge.
"Madan allowed the complainant to put her trust and future in him. This was a serious offence given the amount of money involved and the impact on the applicant," Immigration Commissioner John Tuckett said, in reference to the conviction order.
Madan was found to have given immigration advice and services between October 2017 and April 2018 at offices in north-west London.
The OISC were contacted by the victim, who made a complaint after she paid 600 pounds for inadequate advice and negligent service which led to her Leave to Remain, or permanent residency, application to be rejected by the UK Home Office.
It emerged Madan did not possess the relevant authorisation, training or qualifications as required by Section 84 of the UK's Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 Act.
The OISC is an independent public body established under the act to regulate the provision of immigration advice and services in the UK.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Strangled, Booted, Abandoned: How Harshita Brella Was Killed By Her Husband Family Of Indian-Origin Woman Found Dead In Car Boot In UK Call For Justice Distressed UK Vet Dies By Suicide After Rich Clients Euthanise Their Pets To Save Money AR Rahman, Wife Saira Announce Separation After 29 Years Of Marriage Strangled, Booted, Abandoned: How Harshita Brella Was Killed By Her Husband "There's A Photo...": Manipur Chief Minister vs P Chidambaram On Militancy NMC Extends Deadline For Online Application Of Eligibility Certificates Comedian Samay Raina's Reply To Backlash Over Deepika Padukone Joke China Company Offers Cash Rewards To Encourage Employees To Go On Dates Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.