Deputy Ozouf to appear at Royal Court for immigration offences

Friday, 11 July 2025 12:36

Deputy Philip Ozouf following his court appearance earlier today (11 July)

Deputy Philip Ozouf will enter formal pleas at the Royal Court after being charged with five counts under the UK Immigration Act.

The St Saviour representative appeared at the Magistrates Court this morning (11 July) with his co-accused, Roberto Lora, the Director of The Savoy Hotel in St Helier.

The politician is accused of five offences relating to the employment of Rwandan nationals at his laundrette, My Eco Laundry, between 2021 and 2023.

Immigration legislation states that permission must be given by the Home Affairs Minister if there is a change in employment.

Deputy Ozouf was the External Relations Minister between July 2022 and January 2024.

Mr Lora faces four charges under the UK Immigration Act, three of which are joint with Deputy Ozouf.

The pair have been bailed until their next appearance on 3 October 2025.

Deputy Philip Ozouf entering the Magistrate's Court

Earlier this week, he informed the States Assembly about his court appearance, as a 'courtesy':

"Given that this matter is subject to judicial proceedings, I will not be making any further comment at this time, except to confirm that I will co-operate fully with the process.

"As a long-standing Member of this Assembly, fully cognisant of the need to uphold the highest standards of conduct in both public and private life, I express regret that this matter has arisen and how it may reflect on this Assembly.

"I express a similar regret to my constituents in St Saviour."