Why your immigration advisor should be a FIPSA-registered practitioner:
In the age of do-it-yourself, many self-appointed immigration consultants are feeding clients false or outdated information.
We are often approached by foreigners who feel uncertain about the immigration advice they have received and who, after consulting the internet, are left even more bewildered than before.
In our experience, these clients have more often than not, been misguided and have lost time and money on information that does not suit their needs or situation.
A key pre-requisite in selecting your immigration practitioner of choice:
So how then, can a person wanting to immigrate, ensure that they are entrusting their future in the hands of competent professionals and companies?
The first port of call would be to ensure that they are FIPSA (the Forum of Immigration Practitioners of South Africa) accredited and registered immigration practitioners. While this is not a guarantee, it certainly speaks in favour of the organisation’s veracity.
FIPSA emerged over a 15 year period as immigration professionals formed an informal association, later progressing into a formal association and now act as a self-regulated industry. FIPSA is a registered institution with the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA); which educates, oversees and regulates all immigration practitioners.
Why does IBN believe this to be critical to your peace of mind when selecting your immigration practitioner?
- To become a recognised member of FIPSA, immigration practitioners are required to write a challenging and comprehensive three-hour exam which includes the Immigration Act and regulations, as well as the Bill of Rights and Constitution of South Africa.
- FIPSA offers continued learning for immigration practitioners to ensure a coherent professional standard.
- FIPSA continuously shares news and information that is relevant and up-to-date with its members.
- The Department of Home Affairs is regularly engaged by FIPSA to address service delivery issues and ensure high standards across the board.
- The Department of Trade and Industry already work only exclusively with FIPSA registered immigration practitioners and soon the Department of Home Affairs follow suit.
- Unethical business practises can be flagged with the FIPSA and which are then escalated to an internal disciplinary process.
- FIPSA engages the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Home Affairs on new policies and possible future legislation.
Choosing an immigration practitioner should not be done lightly, particularly when policies and legislature are frequently amended. At IBN, we believe that staying linked with and accountable to organisations such as FIPSA, ensures that we are able to offer our clients immigration information that is recent, relevant and serves their particular immigration needs.
IBN consultants are proudly FIPSA registered immigration practitioners. Read more here
Want to speak to an expert regarding your immigration needs? Click here
For more information on FIPSA – visit their website
by Andreas Krensel
