9 Feb 2006

NZ's immigration minister warns of false employment schemes

6:25 pm on 9 February 2006

New Zealand's Immigration minister is warning people in Fiji to be wary of handing over money to a company reportedly promising jobs picking apples in New Zealand.

David Cunliffe says New Zealand immigration officials in Suva are warning Fijians to be cautious following reports that Pooz Travel World is charging up to two thousand New Zealand dollars in return for a job.

Mr Cunliffe says there is no need to go through a consultant or travel agent in order to work in New Zealand, and people would be better off approaching the New Zealand High Commission directly.

He says people should not pay large sums of money for a service that has no guarantees.

"Now it is true that New Zealand is looking for appropriate people to do some fruit picking and we have got a new scheme in the horticulture and viticulture industry, but with all things there are no guarantees and each case has to be assessed individually and it's not possible to make a guarantee to a client that on payment of a certain sum they will get a visa."