Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants applauds Federal government for
plans to stop immigration ghost agents

TORONTO, March 3 /CNW/ - The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) is applauding the Federal government's intention to shut down unscrupulous immigration consultants, announced today during the Speech from the Throne.

Unscrupulous ghost agents who pose as immigration consultants often exploit prospective immigrants for their own gain. They don't have to prove their competence and they're not accountable to anyone.

Governor General Michaëlle Jean delivered the speech, which promised that "to better protect would-be immigrants, our Government will take steps to shut down unscrupulous immigration consultants."

"It's very encouraging that the government is heeding CSIC's call for action on ghost agents," said John Ryan, CSIC Chair and Acting CEO. "I look forward to seeing the details of their plan."

The pledge comes just one month after CSIC hosted the first annual National Immigrant Protection Day to draw attention to the ghost agent problem and offer recommendations to the government.

CSIC also launched new initiatives to protect prospective immigrants, including a national ad campaign to warn them about the dangers of ghost agents and a toll-free referral line to make it easier for them to find a licenced immigration consultant.

"We're doing our part and it's great that the Federal government is doing its part as well," said Ryan. "I look forward to continuing to work with the government to put ghost agents out of business."

The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants is the professional regulatory body for immigration consultants in Canada. Established in 2004 it currently has more than 1660 members. CSIC's mandate is to protect consumers of immigration consulting services. Consequently, it is responsible for ensuring the education, competency testing and the discipline of its members. CSIC also requires its members to carry errors and omissions insurance and to contribute to a compensation fund.

For further information: Adam Hawkins, Communications Officer, [email protected], [phone] x 2248, Toll free: [phone]