Migration agency fraud racket uncovered
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
An alleged racket involving migration agents supplying false documents for student visa holders has been uncovered in a joint agency operation in Melbourne, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said today.
Officers from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the Australian Federal Police and other agencies raided a migration agency in Melbourne last week where three agents were allegedly providing fake documentation to support permanent residency applications for foreign students.
‘It is alleged that the agents were involved in falsifying documentation to support permanent skilled migration applications of their student visa holder clients,’ Senator Evans said.
‘The students had applied for permanent visas based on their claimed skills in a range of occupations including cooking, hairdressing, horticultural work and car mechanics.’
Investigations are continuing into possible offences relating to forgery and fraud under the Migration Act and the Commonwealth Criminal Code which carry penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
‘Illegal activity by migration agents attacks the heart of Australia's visa programs and will not be tolerated. This operation is further evidence of the government’s resolve to target migration fraud,’ Senator Evans said.
People who obtain permanent visas based on falsified documentation can have their visas cancelled.
Last week’s operation follows an extensive investigation by immigration officers, who had received information from other government agencies about the alleged illegal activities.
Senator Evans said the operation highlighted the need for a greater level of scrutiny on the migration advice profession.
Last month the Minister announced the establishment of a new body to regulate migration agents after a review found dissatisfaction among consumers, potential conflicts of interest and serious structural flaws under existing arrangements.
‘From July 1, a new Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) will undertake the regulatory functions which have been operated under statutory self-regulation by the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) since 1998,’ Senator Evans said.
The new MARA will be supported by an advisory board, which will include a nominee from the MIA, a nominee from the Law Council of Australia, a consumer representative and a community representative.URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2009/ce09033.htm
Last update: 24 March 2009 at 12:43 AEST