Media Release

7 May 2009

Immigration New Zealand is offering a helping hand to prospective migrants who may have been caught out by New Zealand based agents who failed to be licensed by Monday May 4 as required by law.

The head of Immigration New Zealand, Andrew Annakin, says the introduction of mandatory licensing has been well publicised and will result in greater protection for migrants and honest, ethical immigration advisers who want their professionalism recognised.

Mr Annakin says officials have set up an escalation process for people who have yet to have an application lodged, but who may have paid money to unregistered consultants and want help.

“I sympathise with anyone who may be worried about their application as a result of the new provisions which have come into effect and we will do our utmost to help them,” Mr Annakin says.

“Prospective migrants with any concerns about their situation should call our contact centre in the first instance. If they need help with their application the contact centre will get their details and arrange for an officer at the closest branch to call them back within 24 hours to arrange for an appointment.”

Mr Annakin says applicants can also come into a branch and get help to put their application together, or find a licensed adviser to complete their application.

Immigration New Zealand will continue to process all applications received before 4 May 2009.

Mr Annakin urges would-be migrants who may have paid money to unlicensed advisers who cannot now provide the services they agreed to to seek a refund and, if necessary, take action to recover their money. Community Law Centres and Citizens Advice Bureaux may be able to assist any such migrants with their options for recovering money.

“Up to now anybody could call themselves an immigration adviser and some migrants have been ripped off,” Mr Annakin says. “The new law is a win-win situation for migrants and professional advisers and we will work through any teething problems to ensure no prospective migrant loses out.”

The Immigration New Zealand contact centre can be reached on 0508 558 855 in New Zealand or on +64 9 914 4100 if ringing from overseas.

ENDS.