Guest The Pom Queen Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 A senior Lebanese community member who appeared before the Sydney Downing Centre Local Court today charged with offences related to providing migration assistance while not a registered migration agent, has had his case adjourned. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) initiated court action against Toufic Laba Sarkis following complaints alleging he provided immigration assistance and asked for and received associated fees while not a registered migration agent. A department spokesman said Laba Sarkis, who began working as a migration consultant in 1989 before registration was a requirement, was charged under the Migration Act 1958 with the following offences: - providing immigration assistance when he was not registered as a migration agent (section 280) - charging for providing immigration assistance when he was not registered as a migration agent (section 281) and - advertising that he gave immigration assistance when he was not registered as a migration agent (section 284). The spokesman said people who act as “community volunteers” could face criminal charges if they gave migration assistance when they are not trained, qualified and subject to regulatory oversight by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (Office of the MARA). People found to be engaging in such conduct face possible penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or fines. “Migration agents must be registered to ensure they have proper qualifications and undertake professional development to maintain their knowledge of migration law and procedure,” the spokesman said. “As migration advice is a complex area, clients deserve the services of properly trained practitioners.” Migration agents must be registered with the Office of the MARA. Clients wishing to find out whether an individual is a registered migration agent or those wanting more information about becoming a registered migration agent can go to the Office of the MARA’s website http://www.mara.gov.au. Laba Sarkis is due to appear in court again on June 11. Media Enquiries: National Communications Branch 02 6264 2244 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay2012 Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 What about people doing the same in other countries?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blossom Posted April 30, 2013 Share Posted April 30, 2013 Other countries can't be controlled from Australia. They have their own laws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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