29 Oct 2012

Immigration advisers found guilty of misconduct

6:17 pm on 29 October 2012

Two immigration advisers have been ordered to repay their clients more than $8000 and prevented from working for two years.

Barbara Nassiep and Prem Singh have been found guilty of professional misconduct by the Immigration Advisors Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal.

By law, anyone giving immigration advice must be licensed unless exempt and renew their licence annually.

Ms Nassiep, also known as Barbara Parker, allowed her licence to lapse and later undertook work illegally.

Mr Singh lodged a visa application, which failed. He then told his client the matter had been transferred to the Ombudsman and then could not be reached.

Mr Singh was ordered to refund fees of $1480, pay compensation of $1200 and $3000 in penalties.

Ms Nassiep was ordered to refund fees of $7505 and pay $4000 in penalties.