Kiwi immigration body warns against unlicensed consultants

CEBU, Philippines — The New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) has reiterated its warning to Cebuanos against the proliferation of unlicensed immigration consultancies.

“Unfortunately there are people who operate unlawfully and are unlicensed. With the amount of information available in today’s world, it can be difficult deciphering who to trust," warned Catherine Abiston of  IAA in her recent visit to Cebu.

Abiston further urged Filipinos in general to be vigilant in choosing an immigration consultant or adviser adding that New Zealand is becoming one of the top migration destinations among Filipinos.

New Zealand is urging Filipinos to deal only with licensed advisors when seeking immigration help to enter their country.

Despite several warnings in the past, IAA still observed existence and even growing number of unlicensed migration consultant companies, she added.

“People who are not licensed of exempt, including POEA agencies, can share publicly available information but cannot provide immigration advice,” Abiston emphasized.

Dealing with the unlicensed advisers can result to distressing situation for the visa applicant and their families.

IAA only recognizes legitimate advisers or what they call the Exempt persons, which are the immigration New Zealand staff, current New Zealand lawyers and education agents for student visas only.

A register of free licensed advisers is available on the IAA website.

These legitimate licensed advisers have specialist expertise and have met competency standards. "They follow a code of conduct that requires them to be honest and respectful."

Visa applicants can use New Zealand checklist posted in the website before choosing their advisers, she added.

The IAA is responsible for issuing licenses to advisers and handling complaints about poor immigration advice. (FREEMAN)