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

What Happened

The UK Home Office granted the Islamic Center of England a licence to sponsor skilled worker and religious minister visas, The Telegraph reported on Sunday. The charity, under investigation by the Charity Commission, has been accused of ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and previously formally reprimanded for posting videos calling for Israel's destruction. A Home Office spokesperson stated that the centre has not sponsored any workers since 2022, and that if wrongdoing is uncovered, those responsible face 'the full force of the law, with the possibility of lengthy prison sentences, loss of licenses and further civil action.' The centre denied being an official representative of any government, describing itself as an independent UK charity operating in accordance with UK law.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The case raises concerns about Iranian regime influence operations in the UK via charities, potentially enabling the entry of individuals linked to the IRGC under visa pathways. It occurs as Britain accelerates legislation to proscribe the IRGC, reflecting wider Western efforts to counter Iran's covert networks. The Charity Commission's investigation could expose deeper connections and affect the ability of similar organisations to operate.

Watch For

The outcome of the Charity Commission's investigation into the Islamic Center of England; any Home Office decision to revoke its sponsor licence; parliamentary scrutiny or legislative progress on banning IRGC support; and potential Iranian diplomatic reactions.