Migration Alliance has been asked to assist an Australian TV station to create a half-hour investigative TV program looking at visa rorts. The TV station is trying to identify and expose the perpetrators who are making money, but also tell the stories of victims. They are also working with language programs, so that the stories will also go out in other languages on their language platforms. The idea is to create awareness of the kinds of rorts that are out there, but to also highlight the plight of the victims and the difficulties they might have in getting justice.
The TV station is hoping to talk to victims and see if anyone is willing to share their story.
These are the types of people the TV station is hoping to find:
- Person who paid a dodgy agent or employer for sponsorship, but lost their money and didn’t get a visa, where it was clear they were just paying for the visa and a pathway to PR. We understand that this is very sensitive, but from what we hear, not uncommon. We understand that those who get scammed feel so much shame and like they have no way to get their money back.
- Person who paid a dodgy agent or employer some money for a “job application fee” or similar, but the sponsorship and job never eventuated (eg. Eddie Kang or Abel Prasad type scenario)
- Victim of a failed “contract marriage” – where they married someone with the ultimate aim of PR, but it turned out badly (maybe the ‘sponsor’ asked for more money, or exploited them in some way)
- Any other permutations that we haven’t thought of…
We know that people are often really worried about speaking out, as they have ongoing visa concerns or worry that they have broken the law by offering money for sponsorship. The TV station can guarantee their anonymity, and that they won’t reveal information about them to anyone. There are lots of ways the TV station can film that won’t identify them, and it’s something they do quite often.
We have heard some really sad stories already, for example, of foreign students being scammed and losing their parents’ life savings in their attempts to stay in Australia. That’s the kind of story we think will resonate with viewers and lead to public education on this widespread issue.
If you or one of your clients has been affected by a visa rort / scam please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your story. We can then pass it on to the TV program with your permission. This safeguards you / your client before you agree to release your story or information.