In my opinion “ethics” is the conscious decision of an individual to adhere to universally accepted moral values. According to Liezl van Zuyl of the University of Waikato, these moral values pertain to truthfulness, respecting others, helping people in need, not harming anyone and doing what is just and fair. Somewhere in this description is also an inherent suggestion that all personally held beliefs however fair they may be in their own right may not necessarily transform into “universally accepted” moral values. And this is a perfectly good barometer to use when confounded with a thought that seems right to the individual but is not universally accepted. All citizens of a country may not like all laws that are in existence in that country, but once a law is passed all people have to abide by it or be known as “unlawful” or “illegal.” Similarly all widely accepted universal moral laws should prevail over personal beliefs lest the practitioners are termed “unethical”.
While it is not always easy to codify “ethics” I believe the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct 2014 has done a rather comprehensive job of creating a working document that incorporates the key points where ethical and professional dilemmas may arise in the immigration advising process and how to deal with them. This document forms a solid basis for new entrants who do not have the advantage of a well-developed ethical and moral compass that normally aggregates after years of experience. Till such a point of unconscious competence is reached, the Code is the best lodestar by which to set the course in dealing with ethical and professional dilemmas. And hence at this point where I have embarked on the career as a LIA, the best possible way to act in a professional, ethical, socially responsible and culturally sensitive manner in relation to providing immigration advice is to make the Code the guiding document of my practice.
One other very important factor is going to be how I interact, collaborate and work with fellow LIAs who may have years of experience or specialise in areas in which I may not be particularly competent. I foresee the evolution of my career as a LIA also favouring certain areas and not necessarily touching upon all areas of the immigration umbrella. This is very akin to many other professions where specialities are specifically pursued and collaborations created to shore up in areas where one lacks in expertise. This would aptly fit the requirement of the Code to “work within limits of knowledge and skills.” A collective of like minded LIA’s who share thoughts and collaborate will create a better immigration system on the whole and give credence to the very basis of the Immigration Advisers’ Licensing Act of 2007.
In summary, making the Code as the cornerstone of my practice and collaborating with my fellow LIAs will be the two key elements to adhere to the ethical and professional requirements of my chosen profession.
Nga Mihi (regards)
Arun
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