ORIGINAL REPORT: FEBRUARY 2008
We estimate it will take you 10 -15 minutes for you read the contents herein. By sparing that time you will save yourself 1000s of pounds, and have your loved one with you in record time.
Because of the ever increasing difficulties that surround the preparation of entry clearance visa issuance. Many individuals have seized upon the opportunity to put themselves forward as 'visa consultants' for lucrative rewards. Our findings have been somewhat shocking, and in some cases disturbing in terms of the way that a certain element of these so called 'visa consultants') blatantly cheat the would -be applicant with what can only be described as pure, unadulterated deceit. Lies upon lies and a shameless degree of callousness shown to applicants.
Certain 'Thai companies' that are known to most popular embassies are offering 'PRE-APROVED VISAS WAITING TO BE COLLECTED' suggesting that corrupt embassy officials are involved with these companies, issuing visa's for backhand payments. This claim by the company concerned is an absolute outrageous lie. It has no foundation nor has our research ever discovered, or become witness to any form of corrupt activities of any embassy employee at any mission.
Feel free to consult with true and genuine Visa consulting companies. Companies that have a long standing history of fairness and overwhelming success through knowledge, experience and honesty, fairness would automatically become an integrated factor with this type of company.
Always: Ask questions about the company and it's years of operation. Ask about the owners experience and background in visa preparation and in particularly immigration experience. Assure yourselves beyond doubt that the company and it's staff have a true knowledge of the immigration procedures for all major / popular embassies. The U.S.A is a very popular choice for Thai people wishing to travel, consequently the U.S immigration process is extremely tough, and very rigorous. The forms and procedure are very demanding. Only companies who are adroit at securing U.S visas would be considered competent to have a genuine, and true knowledge of international immigration AKS…ASK…ASK!
Always: Demand a money return contract in both Thai and English before
handing money over. Have the contract checked out by your lawyer. Assure
yourselves beyond doubt that the company and it's staff have a true
knowledge of visa forms and the preparation and submission of such an application.
Always: Choose a company where the principle owner is an English speaking
national, preferably with a law / legal background particularly in immigration Law. This advice alone will ensure that as least you're shooting on goal.
Always: Ensure the company you choose are truly immigration specialists and
professionals in their field. Some of these so called 'Visa agents and
consultants only offer advice on the UK or Ireland thus declaring their
failings and lack of knowledge towards real immigration issues with all
countries. Rank amateurs would be their title, in our honest opinion would
be 'ones to avoid'.
Always: Be prepared to ask the company you're in discussion with if it's okay
for you to call the embassy in question and ask them if they know this particular
company and request a recommendation from them.
NEVER: Allow a company owned or operated by Thai principle people to prepare your application on your behalf. Thai operated companies have been our… by far, most complained about subject, amounting last year alone to over 5,000 complaints. We estimate a similar number failed to complain due to intimidation.
NEVER: Believe anyone who approaches you when you are in the vicinity of an embassy or having just exited the embassy…particularly after a failed interview. They will know at this point you are vulnerable and easily taken in with their sweet words and inspiring comments. DO NOT 'EVER' BELIEVE THEM under any circumstances. Go to 'Thailand visa's' websites and study the listed companies, when satisfied contact the companies that sound credible and knowledgeable, contact them and ASK!!
NEVER: Allow the many …many translation offices within the vicinity of the embassies to fool you into believing they can secure the visa for you THEY CANNOT!!. An immigration lawyer specializing in securing entry clearance visas to your chosen country is what you want. Not a translation service. Furthermore, there are tour shops who sell tours, airline tickets ect masquerading themselves off as Visa agents and immigration consultants!!. We actually had our staff member to call on a selected few and ask pertinent questions regarding visas, not surprisingly not one gave the correct answers, all were merely guessing but very eager to take our money. BEWARE!!
NEVER: Ask Thai people for advice about British…Australian…U.S.A or other
immigration issues. They will surely give you wrong advice rather that say 'Don't know' if unsure. Something to do with 'saving face', a subject that the author of this document has never respected nor understood. If one is asked a question and doesn't know the answer why is it so embarrassingly awful to tell the truth admit that you simply don't know. Unfortunately, this is another Thai trait and failing. Don't ask them NEVER believe them.
Summary of this was a recent statement from a vary prominent mission in Wireless Road, Bangkok:
"What surprises the visa section staff here is that these so called 'level headed' boyfriends, husbands or fianc?s go to speak to Thai people / agencies to seek advice on how to make a visa to another country such as America or perhaps the United Kingdom!!. I mean. Why would you think this is a sensible decision to make when in fact it's simply ludicrous. By far the majority have no immigration knowledge AT ALL, and merely fill out forms and go through the motions of the pretence of knowing. Why would you do this ?, we ask."
Over many ..many years we have always invited the public to contact us with any complaints or even glowing references for certain companies. We have compiled a complaints page where we list a few of the more significant ones.
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