3 November 2011- As a result of changes in the Point Based System of managed migration adopted by the United Kingdom (UK) Government, the Philippine Embassy in London wishes to advise all Filipinos intending to renew or change their entry/student/other visas to the same visa category or another visa category to transact only with duly licensed immigration consultants and/or solicitors.

The Embassy has been receiving numerous complaints from Filipinos regarding their failed dealings with unlicensed immigration consultants and/or solicitors.

While these complaints have been brought to the attention of local government authorities in the UK, the Filipinos fail to obtain refund of the unconscionable fees often paid by them when they submit their documents to these unlicensed immigration consultants and/or solicitors.

It is suggested that all transactions be made at the offices of licensed immigration consultants and/or solicitors and, when necessary, ask them to produce their license to practice as immigration consultants and/or solicitors before making any payment.