Friday August 17, 2007
A bill revamping immigration laws passed its first reading 111-9 last night.
Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said the bill set clear minimum standards and tightened up international protection, compliance and enforcement, and detention and monitoring. He told Parliament the bill was consistent with the bill of rights.
"This bill is not about facilitation versus security or security at the expense of all else. It is about achieving a balance between the best interests of all New Zealanders and the interests of individuals."
Changes were aimed at clarifying and strengthening border security, and would allow classified information to be used in immigration, refugee, and protection decisions. It would also provide a simplified visa system, more flexible powers to enforce immigration law and the ability to collect and use biometric information.
The rewrite of the 1987 Immigration Act also repeals the controversial part of immigration law used to detain Ahmed Zaoui when he arrived in New Zealand in December 2002 and sought refugee status. The SIS issued a security risk certificate which triggered efforts to deport Mr Zaoui.
Under the new system, immigration officials would still be able to use classified information to remove unwanted immigrants, but they would be entitled to a "non-classified summary" of allegations "where possible".
The Green and Maori parties voted against it.
(Source NZPA)
