Former licensed immigration adviser sentenced after deceiving migrants

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) welcomes the conviction of former Licensed Immigration Adviser Tzu Tong Ma (also known as Jane Ma and Zi Tong Ma), who was sentenced yesterday to 10 months home detention on 3 charges under the Immigration Act 2009.

Ma set up a scheme involving fabricated roles used to mislead migrants into believing employment awaited them in New Zealand.

In February 2023, Ma submitted 3 Accredited Employer Work Visa applications on behalf of 3 Chinese nationals. Each application relied on false employment information and fraudulent agreements claiming the migrants had construction jobs. All 3 migrants had paid substantial sums believing they were coming to real, available jobs. Upon arrival, they found that no such employment existed.
 
Steve Watson, General Manager Immigration Compliance and Investigations, says the sentencing highlights both the seriousness of the harm and Immigration New Zealand's commitment to addressing job scams like Ma’s.
 
“This case reflects the real harm caused when individuals abuse their professional position and exploit migrants seeking opportunities in New Zealand,” Steve Watson says.
 
“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.”
 
He said the outcome highlighted the importance of maintaining 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.”
 
Steve Watson also acknowledged the work of Immigration New Zealand’s investigation team.
 
“I want to recognise the hard work and professionalism of our investigators, whose efforts have helped ensure accountability and protect others from potential harm.”
 
He encouraged anyone with concerns to come forward.
 
“We urge anyone who believes they have been misled or pressured into paying for job offers or visa support to contact us. Every piece of information helps us prevent others from being exploited.”
 
“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.