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Islamic charity allegedly tied to IRGC granted right to sponsor migrant visas in the UK- report

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The UK's Islamic Center of England charity has been granted the right to sponsor visas for skilled workers and religious ministers.
  • This comes despite allegations that the charity has ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and has previously called for Israel's destruction.
  • The Home Office stated the center would face consequences if wrongdoing is found, and the Charity Commission is investigating the organization.

The Islamic Center of England charity has received approval to sponsor visas for skilled workers and religious ministers immigrating to Britain. This decision has drawn scrutiny due to past allegations linking the charity to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its history of posting videos calling for Israel's destruction.

Like many charities, faith organizations and other eligible institutions in the UK, the center holds a Home Office sponsor license, which allows it to sponsor skilled workers where it meets the requirements of the UK’s immigration system.

— Islamic Center of England spokespersonExplaining the basis for the charity's ability to sponsor visas.

In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the center stated to The Telegraph that it is "not an official office or representative of any government, political entity, or individual." The spokesperson added that the center holds a Home Office sponsor license, like many other eligible institutions, allowing it to sponsor skilled workers who meet the UK's immigration system requirements. The center maintains it is an independent UK charity operating in accordance with British law and its charitable objectives.

We recognize that questions have previously been raised about the center and its perceived relationship with the Iranian government. The center has consistently maintained that it is an independent UK charity and carries out its activities in accordance with UK law and its charitable objectives.

— Islamic Center of England spokespersonAddressing allegations of ties to the Iranian government.

A spokesperson for Britain's Home Office confirmed that the center would face consequences if any wrongdoing is discovered. "We treat the threat posed by the Iranian regime and those who do its bidding with the utmost seriousness," the spokesperson stated, referencing recent legal changes to outlaw support for the IRGC. The Home Office indicated that those found responsible for wrongdoing could face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, loss of licenses, and further civil action.

We treat the threat posed by the Iranian regime and those who do its bidding with the utmost seriousness. That’s why we have fast-tracked a change in the law to outlaw support for the IRGC, equipping the police and intelligence service with more powers to disrupt those working on their behalf, and making it easier to prosecute them.

— Home Office spokespersonStating the UK government's stance on threats from the Iranian regime.

The Home Office also noted that the Islamic Center of England has not sponsored any workers since 2022, and the Charity Commission is currently investigating the organization. The report highlights the ongoing tension between immigration policy and national security concerns related to foreign influence.

If wrongdoing is uncovered, those responsible will face the full force of the law, with the possibility of lengthy prison sentences, loss of licenses and further civil action.

— Home Office spokespersonOutlining potential consequences for the charity if misconduct is found.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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