Migration Consultants Call For Government To Act Over Recruitment Company

The New Zealand Association for Migration & Investment (NZAMI) is urging government action over a Christchurch-based migrant recruitment business, alleged to have reneged on the refunding of fees, after failing to provide contracted services.

On Monday this week, the Christchurch newspaper, The Press, reported that around $600,000 was owed to 229 potential migrants by a company identified as Stu Macann and Associates Ltd. According to the report, the fees should have been returned, because the company had failed to provide the applicants with suitable job offers.

Although Stu Macann and Associates ceased trading last month, two of its three directors were reported to have started up a new but similar operation, known as Skills New Zealand Ltd.

The NZAMI is the main representative body of New Zealand immigration consultants. It has asked the Labour Department to take action against the principals of the business, along with urgent steps to prevent further would-be migrants suffering loss as a result of the new company’s operations.

“There is a range of possible measures that government could take against operations of this sort and we strongly urge the Labour Department to take action. We understand that many of the victims live in developing nations and can ill afford the loss of fees. Certainly, New Zealand can ill afford the damage this sort of operation inflicts on our reputation as a fair-minded, and responsible country,” says the NZAMI’s Vice Chairman, Bill Milnes.

“This case also underscores the need for progress in placing the Immigration Advisers Licensing Bill onto the Statute Book. We’ve been calling for legislation to drive the cowboys out of our industry for the last seven years and we were delighted when government finally agreed to introduce a licensing bill. However, the legislative process seems to have stalled over recent months. We hope that government will now address this issue with renewed vigour.

“Anyone seeking a reputable immigration agent, is best advised to consult our website www.nzami.co.nz. Our members are all experienced professionals and are bound by an exacting Code of Ethics, backed by strict disciplinary processes,” Mr Milnes adds.

The NZAMI represents approximately 170 members throughout the country, including immigration and investment consultants, accountants, lawyers, banks, business specialists and financial advisers. The Association seeks consistent, fair and reliable immigration policies, of long term benefit to New Zealand.

ends

© Scoop Media