Immigration firm told to refund fee paid by local student in Cyprus

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, May 2

The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has upheld the decision of the District Consumer Forum against Worldwide Immigration Consultancy Services Limited (WWICS), Chandigarh, in which it was asked to refund the college fee paid by a local student to a Cyprus-based college. 

The WWICS had filed an appeal against the decision of the forum but the commission held it responsible for getting the refund from the Cyprus-based college, after complainant Ranjodh Singh was denied the student visa. 

Earlier Ranjodh Singh had filed a complaint with the district forum, stating that as he intended to study a course in Cyprus, he consulted the WWICS. He said he was informed that his admission has been made in MKC City College and was asked to deposit Rs 2,21,150 (3,350 Euro) with the college. He stated that he was assured that in case he fails to get a visa, the entire fee except for 150 Euros would be refunded. 

 The WWICS contended that as the complainant had paid the fee to the college, they are not responsible for the refund of the fee. 

The commission held that the WWICS cannot be exonerated of its liability as whatever correspondence between the college and the complainant had occurred was on the advice of the consultancy service. The commission has directed the consultancy firm to refund the amount of 2.09 lakh along with compensation of Rs 20,000 and litigation expenses of Rs 2,000.