Notwithstanding the fact that the new Immigration Act is designed to promote healthy practices among immigration consultants and agents and despite the fact that there is an Immigration Advisers Licensing regime in operation, there are still some shoddy agents operating in New Zealand and overseas.
This is especially true in the case of Skilled Migrant Category, to process which, immigration advisors must have knowledge of personnel management, job analysis and the market trends.
I have heard many people complain against some immigration advisers, saying that they simply lodge ‘Expression of Interest,’ without evaluating jobs. Such advisors do not identify core jobs and other requirements.
This often leads to applications being rejected.
It seems to me that many potential migrants are approaching immigration advisors without finding out their capabilities. They get ‘trapped,’ lose interest in migrating to New Zealand and suffer financial loss.
It is true that migrants can handle their own application without the need for the intervention by an immigration advisor.
But not everyone is aware of the process involved, filling applications appropriately and filing the necessary documents.
It is therefore important to seek the advice of a qualified, honest and experienced immigration advisor.
I have been involved in immigration work based in Papatoetoe for the past five years and it is my duty to apprise applicants of the possibility of having their applications approved, the costs involved and other details.
I have always found that transparency in transactions serves the best interests of people and of course immigration advisers.
Gurjinder Singh is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Auckland and an Immigration Advisor based in Papatoetoe, Phone: (09) 2786580 or 021-2354969
Email: gpnz2003@yahoo.co.nz
