A 31-year-old Auckland woman has appeared in court on a charge of unlawfully asking for a fee for immigration advice.
gavel and law book Photo: 123 RF
Lealeifuaneva Linda Moala was charged by Immigration Authority for payment from four family members and friends in the Tongan community.
The authority alleged Ms Moala was not licensed nor exempt and could not demand payment for any advice.
The registrar of immigration advisers, Catherine Albiston, said the authority continued to raise awareness amongst Pacific communities in New Zealand and the Pacific that unlawful immigration advice can cause significant stress and problems for visa applicants.