A former licensed immigration adviser has been sentenced to 10 months’ home detention after being convicted on three charges under the Immigration Act 2009, following an investigation by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Tzu Tong Ma, also known as Jane Ma and Zi Tong Ma, was sentenced yesterday after the court found she had set up a scheme involving fabricated job offers that misled migrants into believing employment awaited them in New Zealand.
Steve Watson, General Manager Immigration Compliance and Investigations, said the sentencing reflected both the harm caused and the agency’s commitment to tackling such offending.
“This case reflects the real harm caused when individuals abuse their professional position and exploit migrants seeking opportunities in New Zealand,” Steve Watson said in a statement.
“We will not tolerate this kind of offending. Anyone who seeks to profit from vulnerable people or undermine the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration system will be held to account," Watson added.
In February 2023, Ma submitted three Accredited Employer Work Visa applications on behalf of three Chinese nationals. Each application relied on false employment information and fraudulent agreements claiming the migrants had construction jobs secured in New Zealand. The three migrants had paid substantial sums, believing they were travelling to genuine, available roles. However, upon arrival, they discovered that no such employment existed.
INZ said the case underscored the seriousness of immigration-related job scams and the impact on those affected.
Watson said the outcome reinforced the importance of upholding integrity within the immigration system.
“If you break the law, misuse your position, or take advantage of migrants for financial gain, including through false job offers, there will be consequences.”
He also acknowledged the work of INZ’s investigation team in bringing the matter before the court.
“I want to recognise the hard work and professionalism of our investigators, whose efforts have helped ensure accountability and protect others from potential harm.”
Watson encouraged anyone who believed they had been targeted by similar schemes to come forward.
“Ma’s actions were deliberate and undermined the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration system. We expect everyone to play by the rules, and anyone who exploits migrants for personal gain should be clear - we will not stand for it.”