Solicitors’ watchdog investigating studies assist for faux asylum claims supplied

The solicitors’ watchdog has launched an investigation following studies attorneys have been providing to assist folks make false asylum claims.

It comes after the federal government wrote to the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) calling for the “full force of sanctions” to be employed within the wake of an investigation by the Daily Mail.

The paper reported quite a few solicitors agreed to assist an undercover reporter posing as an financial migrant submit a false asylum utility in alternate for 1000’s of kilos.

The SRA is an unbiased regulatory physique for solicitors in England and Wales. Its guidelines stop attorneys from deceptive courts, and performing dishonestly or with a scarcity of integrity may see somebody struck off.

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Justice Secretary Alex Chalk wrote to the SRA, and likewise known as for a follow-up to the overview the physique carried out on immigration recommendation final yr – highlighting the significance of “ensuring public confidence in our immigration system”.

An SRA spokesperson stated: “We can confirm we are investigating the firms/individuals. As a result of the information provided, we are looking to take urgent action to make sure the public are protected.

“All solicitors ought to uphold the excessive skilled requirements that we and the general public count on of them. This is particularly essential in areas resembling immigration the place these concerned could also be among the many most susceptible in society.

“If we find evidence that solicitors or firms we regulate have acted in ways that contravene our rules, and in particular their duty to act legally and uphold the law, we can and will take action.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated: “While the vast majority of lawyers take their professional responsibilities seriously, these allegations of exploitation and unscrupulous practice brought to light by the Mail are truly shocking and it is vital that those found to be abusing their position face the full consequences of their actions.

“I’m decided to rebuild the general public’s confidence that it’s their nation and their authorities who ought to resolve who comes right here, not folks trying to revenue from undermining our legal guidelines.

“That’s why this government will continue to strain every sinew to end the abuse of our system and stop the boats.”

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In his letter to the SRA, Mr Chalk stated: “I would strongly encourage you to use the full force of sanctions available to you against solicitors where there is a finding of a breach.

“Solicitors are important to the operation of a good immigration system. I do know that the overwhelming majority take their skilled duties and obligations extraordinarily severely.

“However, any examples of practices which fall short of the high ethical standards we expect of solicitors risk serious disruption to the immigration system, tarnishing the reputation of those working in this area, and critically undermining public confidence.”

On the overview, he added: “Ensuring public confidence in our immigration system is a top priority for the government. I was therefore appalled to read recent examples in the media of apparent abuse of the system by individuals relied upon to give legal advice.

“In gentle of those latest allegations, I’d urge you to undertake a focused follow-up to final yr’s thematic overview as quickly as doable.”

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The SRA’s immigration and asylum thematic overview discovered the general high quality was passable and there have been no widespread or systemic failings or points with high quality.

However, there have been areas for enchancment, resembling proof of supervision and reporting of misconduct.