No visa arrangement has yet been put in place for the Seasonal Worker Programme and Work and Holiday Visa Programme with Australia.

The Australian High Commission in Suva has advised that while Australia has invited Fiji to join the Seasonal Worker Programme and the Work and Holiday Visa programme, neither of these arrangements has yet been implemented.

This is after the High Commission received complaints of visa scams relating to fake work visas for the Seasonal Worker Programme and Work and Holiday Visa Programme between Australia and Fiji.

Amelia Morris, a complainant, said she had paid $1000 to a couple who have been going around Suva posing as travel agents.

“The couple is usually around Suva claiming they are travel agents and they usually demand our bank statements.

“I gave them $1000 in February this year and they told me that $250 was for consultation and the other $250 for the cost of sponsorship. The other $500 was given by a friend to me to pay on her behalf,” Mrs Morris said.

“They said they were going to help us get a visa for seasonal work in Australia.

“ I have taken the matter to court and they have ordered the couple to repay the amount within 21 days. I’m pleading with the public to be careful of persons claiming to be travel agents but to seek assistance from the Australia High Commission,”she said.

A statement by the Australian High Commission stated that some migration, recruitment and travel agents are producing fraudulent letters or permits intended to look like they have been produced by the Australian High Commission.

An announcement will be made as soon as these programmes are finalised.

They strongly recommend that potential applicants for visas obtain information and assistance regarding visa applications from their Australian Visa Application Centre service provider TT Services.

All Fijians should refer to the official website of the Australian High Commission, Suva for information relating to visas or future work opportunities.

Feedback: litia.cava@fijisun.com.fj