The Home Office on 23 October 2025 opened a consultation that would grant the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) full investigative powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). The move—flagged in a press release titled ‘Government to seize millions from fake immigration “lawyers”’—would allow the IAA to trace, freeze and confiscate assets obtained by unregulated advisers without having to rely on police financial-crime units.
The proposal builds on clauses in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill that introduce fines of up to £15,000 for individuals posing as immigration lawyers. According to ministers, recovered funds will be reinvested in frontline border security operations, including the Multi-Agency Cash Cell that tracks illicit finance flows.
For employers, the expanded mandate could deter fraudulent advisory outfits that target migrant workers with overpriced visa services. Corporate HR teams should nevertheless ensure they use IAA-regulated representatives only, as enforcement activity—and reputational risk—will rise once POCA powers are in place.
Stakeholders have until 15 December 2025 to respond to the consultation. Industry bodies such as the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association are expected to seek assurances on proportionality and safeguards against overreach.
The proposal builds on clauses in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill that introduce fines of up to £15,000 for individuals posing as immigration lawyers. According to ministers, recovered funds will be reinvested in frontline border security operations, including the Multi-Agency Cash Cell that tracks illicit finance flows.
For employers, the expanded mandate could deter fraudulent advisory outfits that target migrant workers with overpriced visa services. Corporate HR teams should nevertheless ensure they use IAA-regulated representatives only, as enforcement activity—and reputational risk—will rise once POCA powers are in place.
Stakeholders have until 15 December 2025 to respond to the consultation. Industry bodies such as the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association are expected to seek assurances on proportionality and safeguards against overreach.
