A Flat Bush couple have failed to appear in Manukau District Court today to face 50 charges relating to the provision of immigration advice without a licence. The couple are accused of defrauding vulnerable migrants of over $50,000.
Ashneel Nand and Sunita Devi, of Universal Immigration Services (NZ) Ltd were not present in court and warrants have been issued for their arrest.
Mr Nand, 25, is charged with 42 counts in total including holding himself out as a licensed immigration adviser knowing he was not licensed, asking for or receiving a fee for the provision of immigration advice, and providing immigration advice without a license.
Ms Devi, 48, is facing a total of eight charges including providing immigration advice without a licence and asking for or receiving a fee for the provision of immigration advice.
The charges against Mr Nand and Ms Devi stem from their involvement with three South Auckland companies: Universal Immigration Services (NZ) Ltd formerly known as Fast Track Immigration and Employment Services Ltd; Global Immigration Consultants Ltd; and NZ Visa & Employment Ltd.
All charges were brought by the Immigration Advisers Authority (the Authority) under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act.
Under the Act anyone providing New Zealand immigration advice must be licensed by the Authority unless exempt. Exempt people include New Zealand lawyers. To find out more about who can give immigration advice, visit www.iaa.govt.nz.
SOURCE: INDIAN NEWS LINK