Law to curb shady advisers

Immigration advisers will have to be licensed under legislation passed by Parliament yesterday. If they operate without a licence, they will face a fine of up to $100,000 and/or seven years in jail. Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said the days of "shady immigration agents ripping off unsuspecting migrants with impunity" were over.

Immigration agents and advisers will have two years to get their licences. Offshore advisers have three years to comply.