A licensed immigration adviser (LIA) in Auckland is alleged to have scammed Indian and Bangladeshi nationals by selling them false job offers and fraudulently obtaining work visas on their behalf.
Migrants who paid the LIA between INR 10 to 20 Lakhs for a job and a visa found that the jobs did not exist when they arrived in New Zealand. Some migrants were reportedly housed in overcrowded properties after arriving in New Zealand.
The LIA has been arrested and charged with providing false and misleading information to Immigration New Zealand. The investigation into the alleged scam is ongoing and further charges are likely.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has warned migrants to be wary of LIAs who make false promises or charge excessive fees. INZ also advised migrants to check the LIA register to ensure that the LIA they are dealing with is licensed and has a good reputation.
Migrants who have been scammed by an LIA can report the matter to INZ or the New Zealand Police.
What are the implications of this scam?
The scam has had a significant impact on the victims, who have been financially exploited and stranded in New Zealand without a job or a way to support themselves. The scam has also damaged the reputation of licensed immigration advisers and made it more difficult for legitimate LIAs to operate.
What can migrants do to protect themselves from immigration scams?
Migrants should be wary of any LIA who promises them a job and a visa for a large fee. It is important to check the LIA register to ensure that the LIA is licensed and has a good reputation. Migrants should also be careful about providing personal information to LIAs.
If you have been scammed by an LIA, you should report the matter to INZ or the New Zealand Police. You may also be able to claim compensation from the Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal (IACDT).
How can INZ prevent immigration scams?
INZ is taking a number of steps to prevent immigration scams, including:
- Increasing public awareness of immigration scams
- Strengthening its vetting process for licensed immigration advisers
- Working with other government agencies to investigate and prosecute immigration scammers
INZ is also working to improve its own systems to detect and prevent immigration fraud.