Yasser Mahmood, who resides at Heywood Street, Manchester, was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity, 100 hours of unpaid work and also ordered to pay compensation of £480 at the sentencing hearing on 8th June.

Mr Mahmood was found to have provided unqualified immigration advice and services from October 2016 to February 2018 from his office in Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester despite having had his registration cancelled by the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner).

He gave unlawful advice about visa and entry clearance applications when he was not qualified to do so and corresponded with the Home Office on behalf of others without being qualified to do so.

Sentencing Mahmood, Recorder Prior QC said: “You caused substantial difficulties and upset [to the complainant]. He lost his right to work. He became dependent on benefits. He was caused shame by being categorised as an overstayer and was obliged to report to immigration authorities – losing his income as a consequence. “

The Immigration Services Commissioner, John Tuckett, said: “Mahmood dishonestly allowed people to trust in him when he was unregulated and even misled them. The sentence demonstrates that if people are providing immigration advice, they must make sure they are legally qualified to do so.”