Training centre workers remanded on fraud charges

Photo / Brett Phibbs

Immigration NZ is reviewing the permits of 200 students who are studying at an Auckland private training establishment after the manager and an immigration adviser were arrested on fraud charges.

The alleged fraud was discovered after an investigation into complaints made by two prospective Kingsland Institute students and involves offending that was allegedly committed in October and again in March.

Institute manager Donald Han and licensed immigration adviser Chheogyal Lepcha both appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday on immigration fraud-related charges.

Immigration head Nigel Bickle said it was not clear how widespread the problems which had led to the arrests were but inquiries are continuing.

"At this stage we do not know whether the matter goes wider than these two complainants or this institute but we need to check, for the sake of the integrity of our immigration system."

Kingsland Institute, which has campuses in the city centre and Panmure, provides courses in business, IT, cookery and English, to more than 350 international students.

A further 130 students, most of whom are already in New Zealand, have applications in for permits so they can study there, too.

However, those applications are on hold while Immigration looks into the alleged fraud. The arrested pair are accused of providing false and misleading immigration information.

That checking will involve reviewing study permits granted to around 200 students to see if there are any irregularities.

If any are found the permits could be revoked, meaning the students will no longer be about to study. An immigration spokesman said some permits were close to expiring so those students might choose to return home.

Kingsland Institute continues to remain open.

Inquiries about what has happened there were yesterday referred to director Kathy Hou but she did not return the New Zealand Herald call.

NZQA deputy chief executive, quality assurance, Tim Fowler said NZQA was closely monitoring the institute's operation.

The welfare of students was its primary concern at this stage.

Mr Fowler said NZQA would consider the implications for the institute's ongoing registration if the charges laid by Immigration NZ resulted in a criminal conviction.

"As has occurred in the past, NZQA will not hesitate to act to remove registration from a provider, where such action is warranted."

Ministry of Education senior manager Neil Scotts said the ministry was liaising with Immigration Service and NZQA to ensure the education and welfare interests of genuine students enrolled at the private training establishment were safeguarded.

BEFORE THE COURTS

*Kingsland Institute manager Donald Han faces three charges of providing false and misleading information under the Immigration Act. He also faces two charges under the Immigration Advisers Act of providing immigration advice when not licensed to do so.

*Licensed immigration adviser Chheogyal Jah Om Sandyang Lepcha faces two counts under the Immigration Act of providing false and misleading information.

*Both have been remanded without plea until next month.