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Wasan closure confirms need for immigration licensing

17 February 2009

The closure of Auckland Immigration Consultancy Wasan International in a flurry of controversy has highlighted the importance of Government moves to introduce licensing to the immigration advice industry.

“From 4 May, New Zealand-based immigration advisers will have to be licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority. This will provide migrants with an opportunity to raise complaints about their immigration advisers” says Barry Smedts, Registrar, Immigration Advisers Authority.

The Immigration Advisers Authority has been set up to help improve standards in a previously unregulated industry.

“Our objective,” says Mr Smedts,“ is to ensure that all immigration advisers meet a set of professional standards and that those who can’t meet these lose the right to practise.

“If you think you’re getting a shonky deal or being treated unfairly by a licensed immigration adviser, you can contact us and we’ll investigate your complaint. The investigated complaint will then be sent to an Independent Tribunal. If there’s a serious breach of standards the Tribunal can cancel the licence and impose a penalty of up to $10,000.

Mr Smedts expects that around 400 immigration advisers will apply to be licensed by the end of April and urges all advisers to contact the Immigration Advisers Authority as soon as possible if they do not already have an application in process.

“It’s not long to go until the close off date of 4 May and although you can register after that date you won’t be able to practise until your licence is approved. So if you mistime things, you could end up temporarily unable to do business and that’s something we don’t want to happen to anyone,” says Mr Smedts.

Licensing will be mandatory for offshore advisers from 4 May 2010.

The Immigration Advisers Authority can be contacted on Freephone 0508 422 422, by email at info@iaa.govt.nz or at www.iaa.govt.nz

For further information contact Barry Smedts, Registrar, Immigration Advisers Authority.