'They can employ a migrant on an open work visa or anyone who is a New Zealand citizen or resident'
An immigration consultancy that is under investigation for potential breaches can continue limited operations despite its suspended accreditation, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
The MBIE issued the statement amid the case of immigration consultancy, Liberty Consulting Group, which saw its accreditation suspended for alleged unlawful job selling.
A spokesperson from the MBIE said the company cannot sponsor further migrants under the Accredited Employer Work Visa while its accreditation is suspended.
"However, they can employ a migrant on an open work visa or anyone who is a New Zealand citizen or resident," the MBIE spokesperson said as quoted by Radio New Zealand.
The revocation of Liberty's accreditation remains dependent on the findings of the investigation against it, which is due this month, according to the MBIE spokesperson.
"There is a due process followed when considering whether to suspend or revoke an employer's accreditation," the representative said as quoted by RNZ. "The cases are assessed individually, with all related business areas across MBIE, including INZ, working together."
Liberty is accused of unlawful job selling for allegedly offering a work pathway to residence in exchange for money.
Toby Castelucci, who runs Liberty Consulting in Rosedale, has previously denied the accusations.
But his wife, Heidi Castelucci or Qian Yu, is currently facing five complaints, two of which have been referred to the Immigration Advisers Disciplinary Tribunal for determination.
One of the complaints involved the case of Richard Wu, who raised a formal complaint with the Employment Relations Authority. Wu was able to record conversations with Castelucci, who offered to help him with his residency with a fake job in exchange for $70,000.
"Ms. Yu is currently unable to practice as a licensed immigration adviser as she holds a provisional licence and does not have a current supervisor or supervision agreement approved by the Registrar of the Immigration Advisers," the MBIE spokesperson said.
Yu is currently in New Zealand after leaving the country after the allegations surfaced, according to RNZ. She previously said it was not appropriate for her to comment until the process is completed.
