What is the English language school visa scam and who is behind it?

Earlier this week, an Irish Times investigation revealed a rising number of foreign students from outside the EU are using forged documents to secure study visas to work in Ireland.

The Irish Times spoke to a number of people who availed of the scam and admitted to obtaining forged enrolment letters, medical insurance and attendance certificates when applying for student visas. They pay scammers between €600-€1,800, negotiate the details via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger and then, never actually attend the school where they’re registered.

Reporter Isabela Boechat, who has spent eight months working on the investigation, found Latin American students, particularly Brazilians, were attracted by these more affordable visa options which allow them to work part-time while studying, and did not consider the legal implications of using forged documents to enter the country.

How widespread is this scam and what measures are English language schools, and Government immigration officials, taking to combat this fraudulent activity?

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Today, on In the News, the English language school visa scam – reporter Isabela Boechat discusses the ‘ghost student’ visas spreading through the language school sector.

Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Aideen Finnegan and Declan Conlon.