THE PHILIPPINE Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has warned the public against paying high fees for schools in New Zealand that promise residency, noting that this is not in line with any existing policy of the country nor between the two nations.

POEA, in Advisory 10-A, said they have received reports over such trafficking scams by schools in New Zealand that assure both work and residency in the country, but charge “exorbitant” rates.

“According to these reports, Filipino applicants, particularly students were falsely promised work and permanent residency in New Zealand after studying in the country in exchange for exorbitant fees,” the advisory said.

In 2017, the Philippines and New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Agreement on the comparative analysis of the countries’ college education system.

The agreement also gives Filipinos access to education in New Zealand.

The POEA stressed that despite the current Philippine-New Zealand bilateral relations, there are no existing policies that guarantee employment and residency after studying in New Zealand.

In the latest available data of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), there are over 40,000 Filipinos residing and working in New Zealand as of 2015.

“Securing employment and permanent residency after finishing study in New Zealand are not guaranteed under the said country’s relevant policies and regulations,” POEA said.

The POEA called on the public to report to their office if they encounter or know of the education scam. — Gillian M. Cortez

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