Registrar of the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) Catherine Albiston visited the Philippines this month to advise commu...
Registrar
of the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) Catherine Albiston visited
the Philippines this month to advise communities of the importance of only
using licensed or exempt advisers when seeking New Zealand immigration advice.
“New Zealand is a popular
destination for Filipino migrants to work, study, or visit, but it may not be
common knowledge that anyone who needs help completing a New Zealand visa
application must get advice from the right person,” said Ms Albiston.
“There
is no requirement to use an immigration adviser, however if visa applicants
need help then only a licensed immigration adviser or exempt person can assist.Exempt persons include
Immigration New Zealand staff, current New Zealand
lawyers, and education agents for student visas only.”
 |
| Catherine Albiston, Registrar of the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), discusses the importance of receiving professional New Zealand immigration advice in a roundtable discussion in Manila. |
Ms
Albiston visited Manila and Cebu as part of an IAA campaign to increase
awareness of the IAA’s licensed adviser register and list of exempt persons,
and the risks associated with using unlicensed advisers.
“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,”
added Ms Albiston.
“With the amount of
information available in today’s world, it can be difficult knowing who to
trust, which is why the IAA offers a register of
licensed advisers on the
website.
“Licensed
advisers have specialist expertise and have met competency standards. They
follow a code of conduct that requires them to be honest and respectful.
“People
who are not licensed or exempt, including POEA agencies, can share publicly
available information, but cannot provide immigration advice.”
The
IAA is responsible for issuing licences to advisers and handling complaints
about poor immigration advice. The IAA does not provide immigration advice. A
person’s immigration status will not be affected by contacting the IAA.
More information on the IAA can
be found at iaa.govt.nz or via email – info@iaa.govt.nz. For free
information on New Zealand’s immigration requirements go to www.immigration.govt.nz
