NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION NEWS

New rules for New Zealand immigration advisors

Wednesday, 12 March 2008

Immigration to New Zealand will be handled by immigration advisors who are now bound by brand new rules, spelt out to them last week Friday.

Immigration Minister Clayton Cosgrove has announced proudly that last week the professional standards and code of conduct that immigration advisors will have to meet in order to get and keep a licence have been released.

Under a new law, anyone who provides advice about immigration to New Zealand will have to be licensed (unless exempt).

Friday's release of the code and industry competency standards means that immigration advisors now know exactly what will be expected of them prior to applying for a license from 4 May 2008.

Licensing means that people who wish to provide immigration advice, will now have to prove their expertise by meeting competency standards.

Clayton pointed out that licensing brings clear benefits for migrants, their communities and honest, ethical immigration advisors who want their professionalism recognised.

"Before the Immigration Advisors Licensing Act was passed, anyone could call themselves an Adviser, whether or not they were competent to give immigration advice," he said.

"The actions of a few shonky operators have seriously disadvantaged some migrants, as well as damaged the reputations of legitimate advisors. For those few, the writing is on the wall."

Licensed advisors will now have to adhere to a code of conduct, which will increase industry-wide professionalism and ethical behaviour.

The new law provides for stiff penalties for fraudulent or unlicensed advisors, putting those with ill intentions in their place.

Licensed advisors who breach the code of conduct can have their licence revoked or be fined up to $10,000, while unlicensed people who are caught providing immigration advice can be sentenced up to 7 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.

"Migrants are making a big commitment when they choose to come to New Zealand," Clayton said. "This government is serious about protecting them, as well as supporting Immigration Advisors who practice fairly and within the law."

Immigration advisors who practice in New Zealand will have to be licensed from 4 May 2009, while those who work offshore but give advice about New Zealand immigration matters will need to be licensed by 4 May 2010.

The competency standards and code of conduct for immigration advisors are available on www.iaa.govt.nz, which is the Immigration Advisors Authority website.

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