Following the introduction of New Zealand visas for South African travellers, agents have been warned by New Zealand’s Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) not to offer visa advice.
The advisory notice on the IAA’s website states that only licensed immigration advisers and people who are exempt can offer visa advice. Those who are exempt include New Zealand lawyers, Community Law Centre staff and volunteers, Citizens Advice Bureau staff and volunteers, and Immigration New Zealand.
New Zealand’s spokesperson for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) told eTNW this applied to clients who were planning to move to New Zealand permanently, extend their stay in New Zealand, or visit short-term.
“Accepting advice from a non-exempt person or unlicensed adviser will result in a visa application being returned by Immigration New Zealand or being declined,” says MBIE.
According to the IAA’s advisory, these individuals can face a fine of up to NZ$100 000 (R960 000), and/or up to seven years’ imprisonment.
To find a licensed immigration adviser, visit the IAA’s website.
