UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour Enfield mayor Mohammad Amirul Islam faces a probe for using his office to help 41 Bangladeshi friends and relatives get UK visas.
As reported by The Telegraph, Mohammad Amirul Islam reportedly misused his mayoral role to obtain UK visas for 41 Bangladeshi friends and relatives.
How did Labour Enfield mayor help friends get UK visas?
Cllr Mohammad Amirul Islam allegedly used official and doctored council letterheads to lobby the British High Commission in Dhaka for visa approvals.
He requested embassy officials to facilitate “a smooth visa application process” for friends and relatives to attend his Enfield council inauguration.
The Home Office is probing 47-year-old Mr Islam over suspected immigration violations.
Investigators found he brought the council into disrepute by using his position to “assist family, friends and associates in obtaining visas” and “advance personal and private interests.”
How did the investigation reveal misuse of the mayoral office?
The 160-page independent report, commissioned by the council, concluded that Mr Islam prepared certain letters before his mayoral term, including some sent before his expected appointment.
The probe was launched after the Home Office informed the council in May 2024 that the deputy mayor had sent a visa-related letter to embassy staff in Bangladesh.
The confidential investigation found that some letters contained passport numbers and birth dates, allegedly to speed up visa processing.
The investigation found that early letters were issued by the mayoral office, while later ones were reportedly altered to appear official and were believed to have been sent by the councillor.
Of the 41 Bangladeshis invited to the May 2024 inauguration, it appears just one attended the event.
The inquiry highlights a troubling chapter for the Ponders End ward councillor, who became the first Bangladesh-born mayor of the borough.
Authorities concluded that he likely exploited his mayoral position to assist with visa applications.
According to Mr Islam, his support for visa applications through the mayor’s office followed actions taken by some of his predecessors.
The report found that while deputy mayors may use council resources to support visa applications for inauguration guests, but Mr Islam
“went way beyond these limitations, seeking to use his position and status as a councillor, deputy mayor and eventually mayor, in an attempt to advantage various friends and family members.”
It stated,
“Furthermore, the timing of some of the letters (some nearly a year before this ceremony, including letters prepared by [the] Mayoral Services Manager, and one after it had occurred) leads us to question whether this was the true purpose.”
It added,
“The evidence suggests a pattern of behaviour where he used council resources and letterheads to support visa applications, even when not officially authorised. His denials regarding some letters are not sufficiently convincing when weighed against the other evidence.”
How many letters did Enfield Mayor send to secure visas?
According to the investigation, 13 letters were issued by the official mayoral office, six by Mr Islam, and the remaining 11 were likely sent by him as well.
The report states that a cybersecurity expert modified some letters following concerns from council staff about assisting with visa requests.
Investigators found all letters, signed by Mr Islam or council staff on his behalf, urged favorable consideration for friends and relatives, noting their presence “was of great importance.”
According to the letters, there was a commitment to cover visitors’ expenses, who were to stay at his Enfield residence.
They concluded,
“I kindly request that you consider their visa applications favourably to facilitate their travel to the UK.”
What was Mr Islam’s response to the visa controversy?
The Enfield councillor, a married father of two, insisted he acted appropriately. He claimed he reported to an agency in Bangladesh for allegedly doctoring letters and forging his signature.
Mr Islam, born in Bangladesh and arriving in the UK in 2003, said his family was proud of his election as mayor and keen to attend his inauguration.
The councillor confirmed that none of the visa applications he backed were successful, so no one traveled to the UK.
In June 2025, he was suspended from Labour pending the results of an investigation and now serves as an independent councillor.
How did Georgio Georgiou criticize Labour over visa letters?
Georgio Alessandro Georgiou, the leader of the council’s Conservative group, added,
“The Enfield Labour council knew about these allegations long before he became mayor and he was still allowed to take office. This all brings deep shame upon the council. He should resign.”
Home Office’s views on the mayor’s visa probe
A Home Office spokesman stated,
“It would be inappropriate to comment on an active investigation, but all allegations of immigration crime are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken where necessary.”
What did Enfield Council say about Mr Islam’s conduct?
An Enfield council spokesman said the authority fully backs the conduct committee’s finding that he “brought his office into disrepute.”
They said it is currently
“in correspondence with Mr Islam to ensure he obeys sanctions, which include him not using his position as a councillor to support any visa applications, undergoing code of conduct training and a request not to wear his past mayor’s badge again.”
When asked why the press and public were barred from the independent investigation hearing, a council spokesman responded,
“The council is confident that the process was fair and transparent while also protecting the confidentiality of various parties involved. The decision notice has already been published on the website with the minutes to follow once approved by the committee.”
They added,
“We expect the highest level of standards and conduct from councillors. We are satisfied that the committee review has addressed the concerns raised about Mr Islam’s conduct following the thorough and comprehensive investigation undertaken.”
Key facts about the UK’s visitor visa
UK visitor visas are for short stays like tourism, family, or business visits. Each visit is limited to six months, even with multi-year visas. Applicants must show strong ties to their home country.
Proof of funds is also required to ensure they will leave after their stay. Working in the UK is generally not allowed under these visas.