Canada introduces heavy fines for immigration and citizenship fraud
Unauthorised agents and representatives face penalties of up to C$1.5 million under new rules to protect applicants.
Canada has implemented strict financial penalties for immigration and citizenship fraud, according to a report by the Times of India. The new rules, which began on October 28, target unlicensed agents and authorised representatives who provide unauthorised advice or submit dishonest information.
Under the framework from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), individuals providing paid representation without authorisation can be fined C$5,000. Those who intentionally assist an applicant by providing incorrect or deceptive details may face C$15,000 in penalties.
The maximum cumulative fine for repeat offenders can reach C$1.5 million. These measures apply to both licensed lawyers and consultants, regardless of whether they operate inside or outside Canada.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the measures will help protect people from misconduct and hold those who break the law accountable. She stated that the rules aim to strengthen the integrity of the country's immigration and citizenship systems.
The crackdown follows investigations into fraudulent admission letters involving Indian nationals. In one instance, a task force examined over 2,000 cases, where Indian nationals made up 89 per cent of the total.
Authorities warned that submitting forged documents, such as employment offers or educational qualifications, can lead to application refusals and a minimum five-year ban from entering Canada.