As the community and political peers await further developments, the case serves as a reminder that even individuals in positions of authority are not exempt from immigration regulations and the rule of law
A local Labour Party politician from west London has been fined £40,000 after losing an appeal over hiring an Indian student illegally as a nanny. Hina Mir, a councillor and qualified solicitor, employed 22-year-old Himanshi Gongley, paying her £1,200 a month in cash despite the student having no legal work rights in the UK.
Court records revealed that the 45-year-old former Deputy Mayor of Hounslow had the student on call “24 hours a day for six days a week” to care for her two children. According to Judge Stephen Hellman of the City of London County Court, while Mir was “a person of exemplary character” and active in the community, inconsistencies in her evidence limited its reliability.
Mir reportedly referred to the student by the nickname “Ria” and claimed she was a “social visitor” who spent time playing video games, watching TV, and helping with household chores. However, the UK Home Office testified that the student had sought police help in August last year, appearing distressed. Authorities discovered that her visa had expired in March 2023 and that she alleged she had been physically abused and felt suicidal while in the household.
- Arif Rehman, representing Mir, told the court that the student’s story was fabricated to gain immigration advantage and falsely portray herself as a victim of modern slavery
- Nevertheless, the judge expressed skepticism toward this claim, noting it was “unlikely” that the student would have created such detailed testimony at short notice after being detained by the police
Following the January ruling, Mir is required to pay the £40,000 fine in addition to £3,620 in court costs. The case has sparked political repercussions, with opposition councillors in Hounslow calling for her resignation. Conservative Party representative Jack Emsley stated: “This is a serious breach of the law, and residents rightly deserve a lot better.”
The incident underscores ongoing scrutiny of employment practices in private households and highlights the consequences of violating UK immigration law. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of public officials and the legal and ethical standards expected of elected representatives.
