An immigration adviser has been barred from her profession for serious misconduct.

Alyssa Tan, associated with Asia & New Zealand Consultants Ltd in Auckland and Mheta Immigration Consultancy in the Philippines, had her licence cancelled by the Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal.

The Tribunal found Ms Tan:

– failed to enter into an appropriate agreement for the provision of professional services, and then failed to deliver services on the terms agreed and in accordance with the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct

– withheld a communication from INZ to the complainant (an invitation to apply for residence) for the purpose of improperly demanding fees

– attempted to demand fees to which she was not entitled by withholding professional services she had agreed to provide

– was unprofessionally being a party to the unlawful provision of immigration advice by an unlicensed person.

Ms Tan refused to admit any wrongdoing, said the Tribunal’s decision was wrong and made a personal attack on the client in response to the complaint.

The Tribunal chair said: “The statutory disciplinary process has brought Ms Tan neither insight, nor a determination to rehabilitate herself.

I am accordingly satisfied alternative disciplinary sanctions would not be sufficient to cause Ms Tan to accept and maintain professional standards. The public will only be adequately protected, and the objectives of the Act achieved, by cancelling her licence.” Ms Tan was prevented from applying for a licence for two years, censured and ordered to pay a $5,000 penalty and a $4,700 refund. The complaint was one of two that was upheld. The other complaint related to Ms Tan lodging visa applications that had no hope of success and carried a penalty of $3,500.

Migrant warning

The Immigration Advisers Authority is not aware of any licensed immigration advisers working at Asia & New Zealand Consultants Ltd or Mheta Immigration Consultancy at this time. The Authority advises migrants to check if the person giving them immigration advice is licensed or exempt. Migrants can get help from Immigration New Zealand directly.

If you, or anyone you know, has received immigration advice from someone who is not licensed, the Authority would like to hear from you. All information is received in confidence and will not affect your visa application.

For more about who can help with immigration applications and a full list of licensed immigration advisers visit www.iaa.govt.nz. For help with visa applications, Immigration New Zealand can be contacted on 0508 558 855 (from New Zealand) or +64 (0)9 914 4100 (from overseas).

To report someone giving immigration advice without a licence, the Immigration Advisers Authority can be contacted at info@iaa.govt.nz or on 0508 422 422 (from New Zealand) or +64 (0)9 925 3838 (from overseas).