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Immigration New Zealand investigates visa applications
Complaints by Indians who have been refused visas needed so they can visit partners who have moved to New Zealand have forced the immigration authorities to look again at hundreds of applications. Immigration New Zealand has discussed the situation with the Ombudsman, who received 14 complaints, and has admitted that the applications had been assessed too harshly.
During the investigation 60 similar cases were discovered, most of which have since been reassessed. An internal investigation by Immigration New Zealand has revealed a further 459 applications made after July 2011 that may have been wrongly declined.
Complaints to the Ombudsman were made by the NZ Association for Migration and Investment as well as immigration advisors. Walter Stone, chairman of NZAMI, said the initial assessments made in India had been handled extremely poorly. He added that the bias and lack of professionalism reflected badly on the New Zealand immigration system.
Mr Stone went on to say it was important to allow partners of international students to enter the country because it is those students who will go on to gain skilled employment and contribute to the country’s economy.
Michael Carley, INZ regional manager, said all the people who had been affected had now been contacted. He added that those who are eligible will now be able to reapply for a visa.
During the investigation 60 similar cases were discovered, most of which have since been reassessed. An internal investigation by Immigration New Zealand has revealed a further 459 applications made after July 2011 that may have been wrongly declined.
Complaints to the Ombudsman were made by the NZ Association for Migration and Investment as well as immigration advisors. Walter Stone, chairman of NZAMI, said the initial assessments made in India had been handled extremely poorly. He added that the bias and lack of professionalism reflected badly on the New Zealand immigration system.
Mr Stone went on to say it was important to allow partners of international students to enter the country because it is those students who will go on to gain skilled employment and contribute to the country’s economy.
Michael Carley, INZ regional manager, said all the people who had been affected had now been contacted. He added that those who are eligible will now be able to reapply for a visa.
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