Whistleblowers: Police hunt for student immigration adviser

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a man alleged to have been exploiting overseas students hoping to study in the UK.

Jabulani Dube is believed to have left Britain after the immigration advisers' watchdog, the Office for the Immigration Services Commissioner, tried to serve him with a court summons, alleging that he has provided illegal, unregulated immigration advice and services.

The OISC has confirmed that it had received complaints from six students about services provided by Mr Dube, a Zimbabwean national.

At a hearing in his absence at Marylebone Magistrates Court late last month, the court heard that the OISC wants to prosecute Mr Dube for breaching section 91 of the Immigration and Asylum Act, 1999, which makes it a criminal offence to provide immigration advice and services without registration with the OISC. Registration is designed to ensure that vulnerable immigrants and overseas visitors to the UK are given fair and accurate advice, and offered value for money.

The court heard that in one case, it is alleged that Mr Dube, 28, charged an overseas student studying in Britain £800 for a student visa. But when he obtained the study visa, he withheld the student's passport and demanded a further payment of £175.

A second student adviser is facing prosecution under section 91 of the act. He is alleged by the OISC to have provided students with advice and services while not registered to do so. He faces charges at Kingston Crown Court next month.