By News Desk
Melbourne, 13 December: Investigators today are poring over evidence gathered from a suspected unlawful Melbourne migration agency following a joint Immigration and Australian Federal Police (AFP) operation, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Scott Morrison said recently.
The business is suspected to have been making false promises of permanent residence as well as providing migration assistance while not registered to do so, says a media release.
‘The search warrants that were executed send a strong message to those who seek to defraud migration programs and deceive innocent people,’ Mr Morrison said.
‘My department takes allegations of migration fraud seriously and the department and the courts will act against those who attempt to engage in this behavior.’
Outcomes of visa and migration applications cannot be guaranteed. Migration agents in Australia are required by law to be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). It is an offence under the Migration Act for a person who is not a registered agent to provide migration assistance to another person.
‘The department works closely with other government agencies, both federal and state, to assist in the identification and prosecution of these offenders,’ Mr Morrison said.
‘Instances of alleged criminal activity relating to the immigration portfolio can result in criminal and/or administrative penalties, including imprisonment.’
Clients wishing to find out whether an individual is registered as a migration agent can do so by visiting the Office of the MARA’s website.
