22 August 2008

Response to New Zealand Herald article 22 August 2008  ‘Amnesty gives overstayers chance to return here’

The response below can be attributed to the Department of Labour

There is no general amnesty for overstayers.

The immigration information clinics reported in the New Zealand Herald today were a small pilot to encourage people in New Zealand unlawfully to come forward to discuss their options in a non-threatening environment.

The pilot involved Immigration New Zealand officials working with recognised contacts in the community to give free and frank information about the status of, and options available to, people unlawfully in New Zealand.

The pilot has been completed and is currently being evaluated with a view to looking at options for extending it through the wider community.

The Department has not changed any of its policies in respect of people unlawfully in New Zealand.

Clinic participants who leave New Zealand voluntarily and who intend to return here at some stage will need to apply to be considered under current policy. The fact that they have been unlawfully in New Zealand will not mean that their application is automatically declined. A person removed from New Zealand, rather than leaving voluntarily, is generally not permitted to return for five years.

Immigration New Zealand is always willing to discuss the status of anyone in New Zealand unlawfully. 

Anyone wanting to find out about their options should call (09) 918 4473 or 027 222 0231 for assistance.

Immigration staff will be available to provide advice to callers and answer any questions that they may have. Staff will assist callers to explore all options for resolving any outstanding immigration matters relevant to them. All calls will be treated sensitively and in confidence.