UK Law, Immigration law in the UK

UK law is complex and getting it wrong can have serious consequences. You must ensure you understand the laws of the UK, and in particular immigration law when you come to live here. If you commit a crime but say you weren’t aware of it, you can still be found guilty. You should also be aware that some laws are different in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Here are some of the main laws of the UK that you should be aware of:

• You cannot carry weapons in a public place, not even for personal protection. This includes guns and knives as well as other weapons.
• Pocket knives must have a blade less than 3 inches (7.5cms) and any weapon where the blade locks in place is not permitted whatever the blade length.
• Pepper spray/CS gas is classed as a firearm in the UK and cannot legally be carried.
• If you have children aged between 5 and 16, they must attend school. State education is free (for more information see the Children and Education page)
• You must have a driving license and insurance to drive a car (for more information see the Driving and Travel page)
• The legal age for marriage is 16 years
• The legal age to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol is 18 years
• It is illegal to have sex before you are 16 or with someone who is under 16.
• It is illegal to have sex with someone who doesn’t want to have sex with you even in your own home.
• It is illegal to try and bribe a police officer.

To find out more you can visit your local police station or use the links on this page.

If you think someone has committed a crime, you can call your local police station or call Crimestoppers the national police helpline on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org If you need advice about Immigration law in the UK there are several places that can help you

Registration of immigration advisers

All immigration advisers must be registered with the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), or be an adviser with an organisation, such as the Citizens Advice Bureaux, which is exempt from registration. Anyone who gives immigration advice and is neither registered nor exempt will be committing a criminal offence. Every registered or exempt advice agency should display a certificate issued by the OISC to show it meets the OISC standards. The OISC can be contacted at:-

• 5th Floor Counting House
• 53 Tooley Street
• London
• SE1 2QN
• Helpline: 0845 000 0046 (for general enquiries)
• Website: www.oisc.org.uk (link opens new window)

A list of all registered and exempt advisers and advice organisations can be seen on the OISC website, which also includes details of how to make a complaint about an immigration adviser. The OISC does not deal with enquiries about immigration problems.

National organisations which can help

• Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)
• (Head Office)
• County House
• 190 Great Dover Street
• London
• SE1 4YB
• Tel: 020 7967 1200 (telephone advice Tues 10:00am - 1.00pm)
• E-mail: advice@iasuk.org

The IAS provides immigration advice from offices in England, Wales and Scotland. Advice and representation is free to people who are entitled to Legal Aid and for appeals against some Home Office decisions about staying in the UK.

You can get details of regional IAS offices from the Contact Us page of the IAS website at: www.iasuk.org (link opens new window)

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can give you more information about how to get help with immigration problems.