Order Paper and questions

Questions for written answer

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Information
Date:
7 December 2005
Subject
Social Issues

10978 (2005). Dr Pita Sharples to the Minister of Immigration (07 Dec 2005): What is the justification for the provision in the Immigration Advisors Licensing Bill to sentence non-licensed immigration advisors to seven years maximum imprisonment?
Hon David Cunliffe (Minister of Immigration) replied: The seven years maximum imprisonment is consistent with the Immigration Act 1987, which provides for terms of imprisonment of up to seven years for comparable offences. The penalty is in place to deter people from attempting to earn a potentially significant income by providing immigration advice without a licence, and recognises the potentially serious consequences for victims of incompetent or unethical immigration advice.