Two weeks ago, we reported Winston Peters’ allegations against the NZ Immigration Service offices in Bangkok - Mr. Peters correctly claimed that members of Saddam Hussein’s regime were living in New Zealand.
TVOne has now discovered would-be migrants from India are paying New Zealand companies for “job offers”.
Immigration from India into New Zealand has fallen dramatically since the government changed its Skilled Migration policy. Potential migrants from India and many other non-western countries may no longer claim work experience in their own countries for immigration purposes, unless they have a job offer in New Zealand.
A job offer from New Zealand has become a valuable commodity. Corrupt “employers” and unscrupulous migrants have been quick to exploit the possibilities for mutual gain.
The NZIS is aware of a number of dubious cases, such as a man who claims to run his New Zealand business from a basement. He has made job offers to seven Indians, all of whom are now in New Zealand. None has started work for the man.
In another case, a man running a company that seems to exist in name only offered “jobs” to four people - three of whom obtained residence.
As a result of such cases, the Immigration Service is seeking more staff to prevent abuse of immigration rules in future.
Although the government has not commented on the situation, Winston Peters, leader of the anti-immigration New Zealand First Party said, “just about everyone in New Zealand knows there has been widespread immigration fraud involving false job offers, false qualifications and false family declarations.
“Many cases have been reported to immigration ministers and officials but they all seem to disappear down a black hole, never to be investigated.
“Thousands of people who should not be in New Zealand are here enjoying the benefits of this country courtesy of the long suffering taxpayers.”
It remains to be seen whether the government, which unveils its budget this week, will provide the extra funding and staff requested by the Immigration Service.