21 Feb 2013

Tongan woman admits guilt in NZ immigration scam

3:41 pm on 21 February 2013

The New Zealand Immigration Advisor's Authority says a Tongan national has appeared in court to admit her part in a widespread immigration scam within New Zealand's Tongan community.

Khadijah Lolohea, who is also known as Khadijah Piu, has admitted providing immigration advice without a licence.

The Authority, which takes complaints against immigration advisors, had charged Lolohea with nine offences.

The Authority Registrar, Barry Smedts, says the guilty plea is a significant result.

He says her victims had to trust that making a complaint to the Authority would not affect their visa applications or lead to them being deported.

38-year-old Lolohea will be sentenced on May the 23rd.