The UK has formally enacted the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, introducing a wide-ranging set of reforms aimed at strengthening border security and modernising the regulation of immigration advice services. The new legislation also provides the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) with enhanced powers to ensure higher standards across the sector.
According to the Immigration Services Commissioner, the Act marks a major milestone for the UK’s immigration advice framework. The new measures are designed to raise professional standards, increase accountability, and ensure that individuals navigating the immigration system receive support from qualified and trustworthy advisers.
The government has confirmed that implementation planning is underway, and further updates will be shared as the new powers are prepared for rollout.
New regulatory powers
The Act significantly expands the IAA’s authority to address poor or harmful immigration advice practices. While these powers are not yet active, they will include the ability to:
Financial sanctions
Issue fines of up to £15,000 for compliance breaches by regulated organisations.
Fee refunds and compensation
Order repayment of fees and compensation up to £250,000 in cases where service standards have not been met.
Cancellation of registration
Immediately remove an adviser or organisation from the IAA register if they pose a risk of serious harm.
Suspension of registration
Suspend individuals or organisations under investigation or those charged with dishonesty or indictable offences.
Compelling cooperation
Impose penalties on advisers who fail to cooperate with an ongoing IAA investigation.
New enforcement powers
The Act also strengthens the IAA’s ability to address illegal or unregulated immigration advice activity. These enforcement measures include:
Financial sanctions
Fine unregulated advisers up to £15,000 for providing immigration advice or failing to comply with a complaint investigation.
Fee refunds and compensation
Order the repayment of fees and compensation up to £250,000 for victims of poor or unlawful advice.
Other Key changes
The legislation introduces several additional reforms designed to modernise and reinforce the regulatory landscape:
Supervision rules
Prevent individuals with specific prohibitions from providing advice under supervision.
Charging powers
Permit the IAA to introduce fees for services such as competence assessments.
Definition of relevant matters
Create flexibility to update the list of regulated advice topics through secondary legislation.
Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner roles
Introduce changes to appointment terms and allow delegation of certain powers to authorised officers.
The IAA will continue engaging with regulated advisers, organisations, and wider stakeholders as planning progresses. Further guidance will follow as the regulatory framework moves toward implementation.
LawSentis
At LawSentis, we continue to monitor all UK immigration legislative developments to ensure our clients receive accurate, up-to-date guidance. As an IAA-regulated Level 3 firm, we offer expert support across all immigration, asylum and nationality matters.
For personalised advice or assistance with any UK immigration issue, you can contact our team or book a consultation through our website.