The UK Home Office has announced sweeping new powers allowing the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) to seize assets from unregistered immigration advisers. While officials claim Windrush support groups “will not be affected,” contradictory guidance suggests otherwise—raising fears that grassroots organisations could face fines or criminalisation for offering help to victims of the Windrush scandal.

The IAA will gain Proceeds of Crime Act powers to trace, freeze, and confiscate earnings from unregistered advisers. Those found in breach may face fines of up to £15,000. Seized funds will be redirected to border enforcement and policing. A public consultation is open until the end of 2025.

Contradiction in Home Office Messaging

“We are cracking down on rogue immigration advisers exploiting our system.

Legitimate organisations and groups supporting individuals to submit claims under the Windrush Compensation Scheme will not be affected by this change.”

“Organisations are responsible for ensuring they are appropriately registered if they provide immigration advice.”

This contradiction creates legal ambiguity. Many Windrush support groups assist with complex claims, appeals, and correspondence—activities that could be interpreted as immigration advice under the new rules. Victims of the scandal were denied the right to employment, pensions, housing and healthcare. Some were detained and deported almost 60 people are know to have died as a result.

Jacqueline McKenzie, Head of Immigration at Leigh Day Solicitors, told JamRadio:

“The Home Office must be clear on what its intentions are and whether these new measures will affect groups and individuals across the UK who offer much-needed advice and support to victims of its own scandal.”

She added:

“There is a distinction between people who give nefarious immigration advice—issuing false judicial review claims simply to frustrate removals—versus individuals and groups whose aim is to support victims of this dreadful scandal.”

Roland Houslin, a British citizen who was locked out of the UK for 15 years and founder of Justice for Windrush Generation, said:

“These rules could potentially criminalise people like me who offer advice and support to fellow victims. The Home Office is tarring everyone with the same brush. If you believe you’ll be breaking the law, that will certainly deter you from promoting the Windrush schemes.”

Last year, the government unveiled a £1.5 million fund specifically for supporting advocacy groups like Roland’s—organisations that help vulnerable victims of the scandal access both "legal" status and compensation. That support now appears at odds with the threat of criminalisation.

the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) is a government body established by the Home Office. It operates under Home Office oversight and was formerly known as the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).

Calls for Clarity and Protection

Windrush groups are demanding clarity from the Home Office. The current response offers some assurance but without legal guarantees—leaving support groups vulnerable to interpretation and enforcement.

“This is policy gaslighting,” said one campaigner, who wished to remain anonymous. “They say we’re safe, then threaten us with fines and seizure. It’s a trap—and it’s designed to silence grassroots resistance.”

The Windrush scandal was a massive failure of government to protect those it deemed “low-hanging fruit.” Now, the same government threatens to punish those helping victims seek justice. JamRadio will continue to expose contradictions, demand accountability, and protect the right to community-led advocacy.