Tough sentences for visa test cam welcomed

The Immigration department has welcomed the "tough" sentences given to nine men involved in a scam to falsify English language test scores to obtain visas.

Over the past fortnight in the Perth District Court, nine people have been jailed or received suspended sentences over a scam at Curtin University's English Language Centre, where tests were administered for the International English Testing System (IELTS).

Under the system, applicants for permanent residency and work or student visas must prove their competence in English by achieving an average score of seven.

A spokesman for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) said the sentences should serve as a reminder to the community that the authorities would act swiftly against those who attempt to defraud Australia's migration programs.

"The department works constantly to ensure the integrity of our migration and visa systems," he said.
"Anyone found to have obtained a visa based on fraudulent information can expect to face visa refusal or cancellation and prosecution."
DIAC is now investigating all visa applications related to the fraud, with visa refusal and cancellation processes likely.
The spokesman said the government had cracked down on migration fraud, with the introduction of a new fraud provision earlier this year.
"The new fraud provision allows applications to be refused where false or misleading information is provided to the department in association with a visa application," he said.
Prior to the change, when fraudulent information was provided, it was possible for the applicant to later provide non-fraudulent information to meet requirements.
The men were charged following an investigation by Western Australia's Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC).
Former university staffer Kok Keith Low, 32, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of accepting bribes as a public officer over a 10-month period in 2009-10, and was sentenced to two years in prison.
Abdul Kader, 27, who was considered one of the key players in the scam, was jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to 14 counts of bribery and pocketing thousands of dollars as an intermediary.
Several others involved in the scam received suspended prison sentences.

Source:http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8287609/tough-sentences-for-visa-test-cam-welcomed