Illegal Overseas Agents Flouting Law To Pay Fine, Face 5 Years Jail

Minister Jeetah explained, “Under the earlier act, it was difficult for the police to prosecute an overseas agent engaged in malpractices. However, now any contravener found in breach of law is liable to a fine, not exceeding Rs 500,000 and a prison term not more than five years.”

He said that currently there are 18 agents with a valid licence who are operating in the tertiary education sector.

The Act of 2006 was passed in order to have a regulatory framework for enroling students for higher studies abroad by agents and to protect the interests of students.

The new bill broadens the definition of a agent, which implies advertising, marketing and canvassing of students while the initial definition was limited to “recruitment for admission to an institution”.

The new bill contains a provision that every application made to the ministry to obtain a licence shall be accompanied by a written authority signed by the academy. It also has a provision that someone based outside Mauritius may authorise an agent to recruit on its behalf.

Speaking to The Independent, Jeetah urged parents and students not to opt for institutions not recognised by the Tertiary Education Commission. “You cannot have a free lunch.”