A program in Canada aimed at expediting the immigration process for educated individuals from Hong Kong has reportedly been exploited by applicants engaging in fraudulent activities such as using ghostwriters or plagiarism to acquire academic qualifications. Recent investigations by CBC News have uncovered multiple instances where applicants were denied entry due to misrepresentation, with concerns raised over the suspicious nature of their academic credentials, including hastily obtained diplomas and master’s degrees with questionable legitimacy.
These individuals are said to have taken advantage of a program specifically designed to attract educated citizens from Hong Kong following political developments in 2020. However, experts point out that these cases shed light on broader issues related to diploma mills and educational fraud within Canada. The situation has led to somewhat comical interviews, as visa officers encountered applicants who showed a lack of knowledge in their purported areas of expertise.
Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer based in Vancouver involved in some of these cases, highlighted the challenges of distinguishing between genuine applicants and those who have paid to falsely qualify. The introduction of special measures by former immigration minister Marco Mendocino in November 2020 aimed to expedite permanent residence applications from Hong Kong residents, with specific requirements regarding educational qualifications within the last decade from recognized institutions.
Instances of abuse within the program were flagged by the South China Morning Post, revealing schemes where applicants could obtain degrees from accredited British universities through questionable means. Immigration officers in Hong Kong referenced these reports during interviews, questioning the legitimacy of qualifications obtained from certain institutions. The Federal Court cases detailed individuals like Wai Ka Yip and Lai Man Lam facing scrutiny over their academic credentials, with suspicions raised about the authenticity of their qualifications.
Both Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Chichester emphasized their adherence to high academic standards and external oversight of their programs. They stated their commitment to taking action against any misuse of their names or qualifications. While the government has made changes to the program and proposed measures to deter fraud, concerns remain about the broader implications of academic fraud and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such activities in Canada.