One of our colleagues has been in contact with everyone he can concerning what appears to be the provision of immigration assistance by unauthorised persons. even if the owners of the business were using RMAs then the advert is non compliance. Here is the complaint:
Please note attached immigration integrity complaint thus far sent to:
- Minister for Immigration and Border Protection – 3 times
- PM – once and thank you for the response, the only one I received
- DIBP – allegations area 3 times
- Senator Brandis – my local Senator but also AG as chief law officer
- The Migration Institute of Australia - representations to the Department.
Now copied to
- Richard Marles, Opposition Immigration spokesperson.
- Bernie Ripoll – my federal MP.
Whatever may or may not have happened, the advertising continues this week. Translated copy attached. My submission makes suggestions for an easy cessation of the advertising. It gives full contact details for the locals. I am making it easy for you. This current advert translated suggests that no money is needed to study as an international student in Australia. Does this suggest fraud? It also illegally promotes other visa types, see the legislation below. 2 years’ jail. It is also undermining local registered migration agents/lawyers who are heavily regulated and trying to earn an honest living. New Zealand does NOT allow unregistered businesses to even lodge applications.
The offence being committed has a 2-year jail sentence, somewhat serious? There was visa fraud perpetrated on this same Vietnamese community late last year with a jail sentence given to a DIBP officer and fraud in excess of $500,000 identified. 59 migrants had visas cancelled. Isn’t one event enough?
Section 285 Restriction on other advertising of immigration assistance
(1) Subject to this section, a person must not directly or indirectly advertise that another person who is not a
registered migration agent gives immigration assistance.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.
Section 280 Restrictions on giving of immigration assistance
[280] (1) Subject to this section, a person who is not a registered migration agent must not give immigration
assistance.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
I simply ask for some action. A “cease and desist” letter to the papers would be a good, quick, easy start? I do not need to know what is done but I will see the adverts stopped.
Canberra we have a problem! Please do something...anything ..just something.