Don’t be unwittingly complicit in fraud
THE findings of a recent
TNW survey show that
more than 50% of agents
may be unwittingly agreeing
to be complicit in fraudulent
behaviour. Of the respondents,
56% said they would create an
itinerary with the sole purpose
of securing a client’s visa
application, with 30% saying
they would offer this to clients
for an additional service fee.
Otto firmly advised against
this. “Submitting an itinerary
that your client does not
intend to use in order to
secure their visa application,
borders on fraud. The fact that
you are submitting this on your
professional letterhead, makes
you complicit.”
Elizabeth agreed, explaining
that a consulate or embassy
is an official representative
of the government. “Lying
to a government official is
considered a legal offence
in most countries. As a
result, when you submit
information for a visa
application you are under a
legal obligation to tell the
truth and could face serious
consequences if you don’t.”
The consequences of
submitting a false itinerary
vary depending on the country
for which you have submitted
the visa application. “When
you step on to embassy
property, or submit official
documents to an embassy, you
are bound by the laws of the
represented country and will
be charged accordingly,” said
Elizabeth. “Some countries call
for jail time, while others might
impose a fine.”
She said the likelihood of
being caught was high, as
officials were increasingly
checking itineraries. “By
agreeing to create a false
itinerary, you are not just
exposing yourself, but your
client as well. Both parties
would be held responsible.”.
Photocap: Grazie!
Alitalia recently hosted members
of the trade at the Kyalami Race
Track to thank them for their
support. The event was filled with
fun, laughter, Italian food, wine,
dancing and prizes. Pictured here
are Paolo Guidi, Alitalia country
manager; and Sabrina Allcock,
director of Discover the World
(GSA for Alitalia).
