When Ms C was contacted about the meeting with SLAC, she was very happy with the outcome, stating that an agreement was reached in the reconciliation of her account and the refunding of any overpayments. Ms C expressed her gratitude and thanked OMB for the assistance rendered; she then requested to formally cease any further action to her complaint. Based on the explanation and subsequent request for closure the matter was considered resolved. Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Labour (MCIL)/Ministry of Prime Minister & Cabinet (Immigration) Unreasonable Delay/Failure to act Background The complainants (Mr D, Mr E) were from Bangladesh alleging being issued with fake work visas and permits by a local recruiting agency/sponsor i.e. disseminating misleading work visa information for overseas employment opportunities. According to the complainants they had voiced their concerns with MCIL and Immigration seeking reimbursement, compensation and a return to Bangladesh but to no avail. A notice of intention to investigate the complaint was despatched to Immigration requesting information for perusal. Examination In response, Immigration stated that:  There was no record of Messrs D and E lodging any formal complaint;  The matter was assessed and assistance was ensured that the complainants were provided valid tickets to depart Samoa as required under sponsorship responsibilities. Outcome OMB contacted the complainants who happily confirmed that they had received their airline tickets to return to Bangladesh. The complainants acknowledged OMB assistance in pursuing their matter and were looking forward to returning home. The matter was considered an early resolution. MCIL Failure to act/Delayed action Background Mr F complained that MCIL had allegedly failed to act on his matter against a couple that recruited workers for the Seasonal Scheme in New Zealand. According to Mr F, the couple had borrowed money from him while in New Zealand in 2016 and that after continually pursuing the repayment of his money; his place in the Scheme was suddenly terminated. Mr F claimed to have written twice to MCIL about the matter including money that was collected from the workers while in New Zealand for the couple. OMB enquired MCIL for further information. Examination Mr F had met several times with the couple and MCIL legal officer. The officer advised them that the issue of the alleged loan was their responsibility; however, the alleged collection of money would be investigated. Office of the Ombusman/NHRI Samoa Annual Report 2019/20 16