ISC calls for global standards to curb migration fraud

The International Solidarity Council says it wants stronger ethical rules, more international cooperation, and safer legal migration pathways in the global visa and migration advisory sector. President Kenan Tekdemir argues the effort is needed to protect migrants from misleading promises, smuggling risks, and commercial exploitation.

Why it matters: - The International Solidarity Council says irregular migration is a humanitarian and security issue that requires more than border enforcement. - The group argues that better information, professional standards, and legal migration options can reduce exposure to smuggling networks and fraudulent intermediaries. - The initiative is aimed at people seeking visas, residency, citizenship, travel, and immigration advice.

What happened: - The International Solidarity Council announced a push for global cooperation against irregular migration and stronger ethical standards in migration advisory services. - The organization said Council President Kenan Tekdemir is leading the call for professional rules that discourage misleading immigration promises. - The announcement came from the group’s Wyoming-based nonprofit umbrella organization.

The details: - ISC says its mission includes ethical practices, professional accountability, and international cooperation across the migration advisory industry. - The council wants companies and professionals to operate under a common international professional framework. - The organization highlighted six priority areas: professional ethics and accountability, prevention of misleading immigration promises, professional education and development, professional standards and certification, international cooperation, and safe and legal migration pathways. - ISC said certification would complement, not replace, official government licenses, legal authorizations, or regulatory requirements. - The council’s proposed certification model would be based on its own ethical and service-quality standards. - The organization also wants to raise awareness of deceptive claims, including promises of guaranteed visas, permanent residency, or citizenship. - ISC said its work would include training programs, educational initiatives, and professional guidance for sector participants. - The council described its role as promoting transparent and responsible advisory practices while respecting national immigration laws.

Between the lines: - The message frames migration advice as a trust problem as much as a policy problem. - By pushing common standards, ISC is trying to shape how private migration advisers market services and what they can credibly promise clients. - The emphasis on ethics and consumer protection suggests the group sees misinformation as a driver of exploitation, not just poor service.

What's next: - ISC plans to launch the ISC Global Forum in different countries. - The forums are meant to bring together professionals, experts, and stakeholders from visa, travel, and migration advisory sectors. - Planned discussion topics include migrant smuggling, irregular migration risks, ethical responsibilities, safe legal alternatives, consumer protection, and information sharing. - ISC says the forums will serve as platforms for professional development, education, and cross-border cooperation. - The council also says it will keep advocating for cooperation among governments, international organizations, civil society, and private-sector professionals.