An Auckland woman is facing 22 charges for illlegally providing immigration advice to the Pacific community.
The Immigration Advisers Authority charged Auckland woman, Maria 'Ilaisaane Valu-Pome'e, for illegally providing immigration advice without holding a licence or exempt status.
The Authority's Registrar, Catherine Albiston, says the charges include providing immigration advice without a licence or exempt status, advertising herself as legally able to provide such advice, and four charges for receiving fees.
She says the Authority ran a campaign earlier this year to raise awareness amongst Pacific communities that unlawful immigration advice can cause significant stress and problems for visa applicants.
Ms Albiston says anyone seeking New Zealand immigration advice should use a licensed immigration adviser or someone who is exempt.
Offenders can face up to seven years in prison and a fine of more than $US72,000 dollars.
