The Immigration Advisors Authority is investigating an elaborate passport scheme involving a South Auckland Tongan church promising residency for cash.

A TV1news report says meetings promoting the scam have been held at the ‘I Laumalie Mo Mo’oni church in Mangere.  Overstayers and those wanting residency have been told if they join the church and pay $500 per person or $800 a family a High Court judge will sign off on their residency according to the TV1 news report.

Pakilau Manase Lua was born in the Kingdom of Tonga but grew up in Aotearoa where he has lived now for over 40 years.  He is a governance member of the Pacific Leadership Forum and chairman of the Pacific Response Coordination Team (PRCT) who has been vocal about the need to .  

This morning he joins us to share his views on this elaborate scheme that targets some of the most vulnerable in our community. Malo e lelei and good morning Pakilau Manase Lua.