More people left vulnerable as IAS goes in to administration

It has been recently announced that after experiencing financial difficulty, the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) charity has gone in to administration.

 

The news has come as a shock to the 200 personnel employed by the charity who work at branches across the country giving free immigration advice to vulnerable persons. It coincides with legal aid reforms on immigration legal advice, which will adversely affect vulnerable groups of people such as refugees and asylum seekers.

 

Louise Harvey, Head of Immigration at Alsters Kelley said: “The announcement that the IAS is going in to administration couldn’t have come at a worse time after learning about the legal aid reforms. They do a great job of helping vulnerable people who would not otherwise be able to afford legal fees.”

 

Louise Koch, Immigration Solicitor added: “It is already extremely difficult for clients to access quality legal advice - without which their case is unable to be presented properly and may result in bad decisions being made. Individuals may then be returned to countries and situations where their life is at risk”.

 

Despite the bad news that charities are closing and the majority of immigration cases may soon no longer be eligible for legal aid, solicitors at midlands-based Alsters Kelley LLP have tried to balance this by offering reasonably priced legal advice.

 

Please contact our immigration and employment team on 0844 561 0100 or email enquiries@alsterskelley.com for advice