New Zealand Immigration Fraud Case Highlights Need for Adviser Checks

A recent Stuff report about an immigration fraud conviction connected to New Zealand is a timely reminder for migrants and employers to take care when choosing who to trust with immigration advice. According to the report, Julie Pearl De Los Santos was deported after a judge said her offending had “shattered the dreams” of Filipino migrant workers. Stuff reports she is now in custody in the Philippines over fresh allegations.

The report is confronting because it involves people who were trying to improve their lives through work and migration. Many migrants make significant financial, emotional and family commitments before moving countries. When advice, job promises or visa support are not genuine, the impact can be serious.

For anyone planning to Move to New Zealand, the key message is simple: get advice from a properly authorised person, keep your own records, and do not rely on pressure, verbal promises or unclear payment arrangements.

What has changed

The reported update is that a woman previously connected with immigration offending in New Zealand has been arrested and is in custody in the Philippines over fresh allegations. The Stuff article links the current arrest to a past New Zealand immigration fraud conviction and deportation.

The source material does not provide enough detail to comment on the new allegations, the legal process in the Philippines, or any outcome. Those matters should be treated as allegations unless and until they are formally determined.

However, the report highlights a continuing issue that migrants can face: people may be approached by individuals claiming they can arrange work, visas, or migration outcomes. Some may present themselves as helpful community contacts, recruiters, consultants or agents. Not all of these people are authorised to provide New Zealand immigration advice.

In New Zealand, immigration advice is regulated. In most situations, a person who gives New Zealand Visa advice must be a licensed immigration adviser or be otherwise exempt, such as a New Zealand lawyer or certain authorised people. Migrants should check this before paying money or sharing personal documents.

What this means for migrants

If you are applying for a New Zealand Visa, you should be able to clearly understand who is helping you, what service they are providing, what fees are being charged, and what information is being submitted to Immigration New Zealand.

Be cautious if anyone guarantees a visa, asks for large payments without a written agreement, tells you not to contact Immigration New Zealand directly, refuses to provide receipts, or asks you to sign blank forms. You should also be careful if a job offer seems unclear, if the employer is difficult to verify, or if the person helping you avoids questions about licensing.

This does not mean migrants should be afraid to seek help. Good advice can be very useful, especially where an application is complex, a family is applying together, or a person’s work, health, character or previous visa history needs careful handling. The important point is to use trusted and properly authorised support.

Migrant workers can be particularly vulnerable when they are overseas, unfamiliar with New Zealand processes, or under pressure to secure work quickly. Before making decisions, take time to check the adviser, the employer, the visa pathway and the documents you are asked to sign.

What to do next

If you are planning to Move to New Zealand, start by checking official information and making sure your advice comes from a licensed or exempt professional. Keep copies of all forms, receipts, contracts, job offers, emails and messages. Do not hand over original identity documents unless there is a clear and legitimate reason.

If you already have concerns about advice you received, avoid making further payments until you have obtained independent guidance. You may wish to speak with a licensed immigration adviser, a New Zealand lawyer, or the relevant regulator depending on your situation.

For personalised support, you can get matched with a licensed immigration adviser who can review your circumstances and help you understand the appropriate next steps.

Immigration processes can feel stressful, especially when your future plans depend on the outcome. Taking time to verify advice and document each step can reduce risk and help you make informed decisions.

Ready to move to New Zealand? Start your assessment to get matched with a licensed immigration adviser suited to your situation.