An increase in unlicensed immigration advisers scamming money from families who want to work, study or live in New Zealand has led NZ authorities to run an awareness campaign on the importance of using licensed advisers in the Pacific Islands.

Catherine Albiston, Registrar of the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) visited Tonga today to warn people of the risks associated with using illegal advisers.

“There are warning signs people should take note when dealing with illegal advisers,” she said.

These are:

1. Avoiding anyone that asks you to sign a blank piece of paper or form.
2. Staying away from anyone who claims they have personal contacts at New Zealand Immigration.
3. Avoiding anyone who refuses to put their name on your visa application form

Immigration New Zealand does not accept visa applications from unlicensed people acting illegally and the risk of using them can affect people’s future visas or jobs.

A list of licensed advisers can be found on the IAA website and they are able to provide advice to people in or outside New Zealand.

Exempt people who don’t need to hold a licence to provide immigration advice include New Zealand lawyers, education agents outside New Zealand for student visas, and Immigration New Zealand.

“There is another option for people who can’t afford a legal immigration adviser,” said Albiston.

“People can research immigration information on the New Zealand Immigration website or pick up information from the Immigration office and fill in the forms themselves.”

Ms Albiston said that 12 illegal immigration advisers in the last five years have been prosecuted in New Zealand.

“Eight of these illegal advisers had victims from the Pacific Islands including Tonga.”

The IAA is responsible for issuing licences to advisers and handles complaints about bad immigration advice. It was also set up to protect people receiving New Zealand immigration advice.

The IAA however does not give immigration advice and a person’s immigration status will not be affected if they contact IAA.

More information can be found on the IAA website [2].