“If someone offers you a job in New Zealand and it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is,” says Immigration New Zealand to potential migrant workers, warning them of scams.
Senior Investigator, INZ Helen Garratt says immigration scams are nothing new but with the rise of social media including apps like WhatsApp it is easy for people to get pulled into a scam.
“The general rule is if someone offers you a job in New Zealand and it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. However, there are a few hallmarks of scams that people can look out for in order to protect themselves.
“An employer or a recruiter cannot charge you for a job. So beware of offers asking you to pay a large sum of money in return for a visa and a job. Also, paying a sum to have your visa application fast-tracked is another sign the offer could be a scam.”
INZ is urging migrant workers in New Zealand to educate their family and friends overseas on how to spot potential immigration scams.
Immigration staff are in regular contact with ethnic community leaders, and one common question is what advice they can give people, so they do not get taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals looking to profit off peoples’ desires to work in New Zealand.
“Be careful around job offers promising you will earn an unrealistically high wage or that the job will be a pathway to residency in New Zealand. If they can, people should check directly with the employer that the job offer they have received is genuine,” says Garratt.
INZ’s advice, for people who wish to work in New Zealand, is to apply through approved pathways rather than via third party agents using apps.
“All visa fees are on the immigration website and are far below the cost we are seeing scammers ask migrant workers to pay for the same visa, for instance an Accredited Employer Work Visa for someone applying from India is NZD $750,” says Garratt.
Avoid the pitfalls of receiving illegal immigration advice. If people need help with their New Zealand visa INZ recommends they seek advice from Licensed Immigration Advisers only, advices INZ.
Any person providing New Zealand immigration advice, anywhere in the world, must be licensed by IAA or be exempt. Licensed Immigration Advisers must charge fees that are fair and reasonable.
If anyone is concerned with an application they have submitted themselves, or someone has submitted on their behalf, they can contact INZ to discuss this. Call 0508 558 855 if in New Zealand or +64 9 914 4100 if calling from overseas.