12 October 2016

Media Release

Licensing of offshore-based education agents – “Needs fixing,” says Auckland Chamber of Commerce head Michael Barnett

As part of the package tightening immigration requirements announced yesterday, the Government should also consider licensing of education agents based in other countries who process applications by potential students wanting to come to New Zealand.

“Immigration agents are required to be licensed, whether they operate in New Zealand or overseas. However, offshore education agents who give advice to potential students are not required to be licensed,” notes Mr Barnett.

This discrepancy is resulting in examples of misleading advice being given to potential students especially in India which arguably would not occur if they were licensed and more accountable to New Zealand authorities.

“Surely, we should be licensing all immigration agents acting for us.”

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