Dubai - The Khaleej Times expose has led to many more victims coming forward and sharing their story of loss and despair
Published: Thu 6 Jul 2017, 10:35 PM
Many companies offering migration services to foreign countries like Canada and New Zealand are coming under the scanner after Khaleej Times exposed an immigration scam involving two Dubai-based companies.
Oracle Visa and World Migrations, which were operating from plush offices in Business Bay, reportedly collected millions from hundreds of unsuspecting customers promising them jobs abroad. Many victims interviewed by the paper said they had paid amounts between Dh6,000 and Dh15,000 in installments after signing migration contracts that assured them jobs within a year, or refunds. Both the companies were sealed by the Dubai Economic Department following complaints.
Though it is not clear how many millions the dubious firms have minted by selling migration dreams to middle-income expats, the KT expose has led to many more victims coming forward and sharing their story of loss and despair.
We paid over false promises
Binam Adhikari from Nepal said he paid Dh4,900 to World Migrations almost a year ago, and have not heard from them after that.
"I made the payment in three installments. How can I get my money back now?," asked a worried Adhakari.
"I am also one of the victims of this scam. I paid Dh5,000 in two installments, for Australian permanent residence. But after two months, I found out that the World Migrations is closed," said Zohaib Jamal from Pakistan.
Victims have also alleged that there are more companies duping customers with false promises.
"When I visited HR Gulf company, I saw the same staff from World Migrations working there. Also, there is another company called VIP Migrations in Dubai, which I think is linked to World Migrations. When you click the payment options on the website of VIP Migrations, it is redirecting you to the World Migrations page," alleged Jamal.
When Khaleej Times checked, the website of VIP Migrations was closed.
An Abu Dhabi resident said he had paid Dh20,000 to a migration services company in Abu Dhabi, but the company closed down within months.
A quick Google search would reveal that there are dozens of companies promising 'expert immigration services' in the UAE.
Many of them are active on social media and their Facebook pages are followed by thousands.
'Urgent Work Permit to Canada! For hotels: Admin, Sales, Waiters, Chefs, and Cleaning Staff,' read a post on a Facebook page of one of the companies.
'We are looking for highly skilled Filipino Carpenters for deployment in New Zealand,' read another job advertisement. And all you have to do is to send your resume to the given email ID and the immigration consultant will call you for an appointment.
Immigration experts are also available on chat to answer all client queries, and they assure customers that once they evaluate their CVs and the contract is signed, jobs are assured within a year.
There is demand, but...
Rahil Sheriff, managing director at Carte Blanche Immigration Lawyers and Consultants in Dubai, said many agencies are taking advantage of the spike in demand for semi-skilled workers in countries like Canada and New Zealand.
"There is an increase in demand for semi-skilled workers over the skilled category employees," said Sheriff.
Warning people about the pitfalls about approaching consultants to process their applications, Sheirff said it is important to verify whether the consultants are registered with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
"Those interested in seeking jobs can even directly register and upload their profiles on the government of Government of Canada website http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work.asp, and interested employers will directly contact them."
anjana@khaleejtimes.com
Canadian embassy issues advisory
The Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi has issued an advisory, which is available on its website, from the Canadian government on how to avoid immigration fraud.
It states the following:
If you're hiring a paid representative, you have to find out whether they are authorised. This means they have a licence to practise and give advice on citizenship. immigration consultants must be a member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council.
If you choose a paid representative who is not authorised, we may return your application or refuse it.
Ask about the representative's training and experience. For instance: Ask for references and find out how long they have been in business.
Discuss the services they'll provide and the fee. Make sure to get a written contract and read it carefully before you sign it.
Make sure the contract lists all the services the representative will give you and clearly states the fee you discussed.
If you're using a representative who works in Canada, you can also contact the Better Business Bureau. It can tell you if it has received complaints about a citizenship or immigration consultant, lawyer or other representative.
Tips while applying for Canadian job visa
> No one can guarantee you a job or a visa to Canada.
> Only immigration officers in Canada, at Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates can decide to issue a visa.
> Processing fees are the same for all of our services in Canada and around the world. Fees in local currencies are based on official exchange rates. They are the same amount as fees in Canadian dollars.
> We will ask you to pay fees for Canadian government services to the "Receiver General for Canada," unless we state something different on a visa office website.
> Our employees will never:
- ask you to deposit money into a personal bank account
- ask you to transfer money through private money transfer service
- threaten you
- offer special deals to people who want to immigrate or
- use free email services, such as Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo Mail to contact you
> You will find free application forms and guides for all our services on our website.
> Be careful if the salary of a job you are applying for seems too high to be real
iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
