The 'ghost student' visa scam spreading through the English language school sector

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. Reporter Isabela Boechat, who has spent eight months working on the investigation, found Latin American students, particularly Brazilians are paying scammers between €600-€1,800, They negotiate the details via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger and then, never actually attend the school where they’re registered.


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


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