Pinoys who want to visit NZ warned vs. unlicensed immigration advisers


A New Zealand official has warned Filipinos who want to visit against individuals who are posing as immigration advisers without the necessary license.
In a statement, Catherine Albiston, registrar of the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), said dealing with unlicensed advisers can put the visa applicant in a "distressing situation."
"Unfortunately there are people who operate unlawfully and provide advice without a licence, which can result in a distressing situation for the visa applicant and their family," she said.
The IAA is responsible for issuing licences to advisers and handling complaints about poor immigration advice.
To educate Filipinos on the importance of using licensed advisers, Albiston will visit the Philippines next week to raise awareness in Filipino communities of the IAA's licensed adviser register and list of exempt persons.
Her visit to Manila and Cebu also aims to inform Filipinos of the risks associated with using unlicensed advisers.
According to Albiston, concerned Filipinos can check on IAA's register of licensed advisers on its website.
"There is no requirement for New Zealand visa applicants to use an immigration adviser, however if they need help then only a licensed immigration adviser or exempt person can assist," she said.
She said exempt persons include Immigration New Zealand, Citizens Advice Bureau, Community Law Centres, and current New Zealand lawyers.
New Zealand is a popular destination for Filipino migrants, to work, live, study, or visit, with the Philippines featuring in the top five nationalities for approved visas across these categories and making it a focus for the IAA. —KBK, GMA News

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