Immigration News

Latest 10 news items tagged Immigration

Winston Peters slams New Zealand immigration policies23 Jun at 8 AM 2015

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has again slammed the government for its policies over immigration. In the year ending May migration hit a net gain of 57,800, something that has not pleased the minister. Mr Peters said it was unfair that New Zealanders are having to compete for jobs and houses against those entering the country from overseas. He added that anger was inevitable as more Kiwis are forced to go on the dole. He went on to condemn the fact that more New Zealanders were finding themselves living in rented...

Expanding opportunities in New Zealand19 Jun at 5 AM 2015

An improving economy, falling unemployment and a demand for skilled workers makes New Zealand an attractive country to move to for those wishing to make a new home abroad. Although Australia remains the favorite for many Irish emigrants, New Zealand offers a less harsh climate, great scenery and plenty of employment opportunities. The number of Irish who choose to make New Zealand their new home has been increasing year on year over the past decade. There are now major opportunities for skilled workers in sectors spanning hospitality...

Family waiting for visa decision because of son?s health13 Jun at 5 AM 2015

A New Zealand family has been left in limbo after one of the sons has been left without a visa. Jo-Lene Mahon, mother to Liam, 3, and Nolan, 1, has a permanent resident visa. Her husband Andreas, 32, was born in Germany but has a New Zealand father and therefore is a citizen by decent. However, after returning to New Zealand after living abroad for three years Immigration New Zealand would only grant permanent residency to one of the young boys. Liam has been diagnosed with William’s syndrome, and the immigration authorities are...

New Zealand man deported from UK ahead of blessing ceremony5 Jun at 8 AM 2015

A New Zealand man has been deported from the UK after flying in for a blessing ceremony with his wife to be. Gareth Macrae and fiancée Lliwen Roberts had been planning to celebrate their nuptials in July in Wales. However, following the deportation the wedding may now have to be held in New Zealand. Mr Macrae explained that he had applied for a marriage settlement visa, but had had the application denied because the couple could not provide proof of a bank account holding the required minimum of £62,000. The groom to be said he was...

Investment announced for immigration15 May at 7 AM 2015

The number of immigration officers in New Zealand will be boosted as the government pledges to invest $33 million in the coming four years. Michael Woodhouse, Immigration Minister, said in a pre-Budget announcement that more resources were needed to deal with the increase in the number of visitors entering the country. Around $8 million will be injected from immigration fees with a further $25 million donated by the Crown. The plan is to employ another 36 immigration officers, some of whom will be border officers at Queenstown,...

Immigration New Zealand cracks down on short-term visa abuse6 May at 8 AM 2015

A crack down on workers violating short-term visa rules appears to have been initiated by Immigration New Zealand. The move comes following an investigation into a company based in China that was contracted to do work for KiwiRail. The Chinese locomotive provider has been told that any future visa extensions would require a high level of scrutiny and would only be provided in exceptional circumstances. A probe by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment was conducted in April into employees who were on short-term visas...

Winston Peters wants better quality migrants29 Apr at 10 AM 2015

Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First, has taken a swipe at the government’s immigration policy accusing it of allowing immigrants who are not up to standard to settle in the country. The attack came as Statistics New Zealand confirmed that in the 12 months to March the net gain of migrants in New Zealand hit 56,275. This is an increase of 75 per cent on the year before. Although there has been an increase in the number of people moving into the country, the figures have also been boosted by a rise in the number deciding...

INZ targets visa test imposters23 Apr at 9 AM 2015

Immigration New Zealand is implementing new measures to help identify prospective immigrants who may be cheating in order to get their visa applications approved. According to INZ some applicants have been attempting to cheat the system by getting others to sit English language examinations and medical tests. Michael Carley, operations manager for INZ, said a Chinese man had recently applied for an investor visa but had used another person to take the required English language exam. Immigration staff became suspicious when they...

Kim Dotcom faces deportation from New Zealand17 Apr at 10 AM 2015

Controversial internet entrepreneur and New Zealand resident Kim Dotcom could face deportation for not filling in his residency application correctly. The Megaupload website creator allegedly failed to declare that he had a conviction for dangerous driving. Katie Knowles, acting area manager for Immigration New Zealand, said the agency was currently looking into the situation. She added that in the interests of justice Dotcom has until the beginning of next month for his advisors to make submissions regarding the matter. Knowles...

NZ immigration advisor demanded sex from clients8 Apr at 5 AM 2015

A court in New Zealand has heard that a former immigration consultant would attempt lure female clients into providing sexual services in exchange for visas. Hakaoro Hakaoro was sent to prison last year for failing to produce a license to practice. The prison term handed to him was 20 months. However, it has come to light that the 55-year-old is also guilty of a number of new complaints. The Immigration Advisors Disciplinary Tribunal charged Hakaoro Hakaoro with six further complaints including asking women back to his house for sex as...