The NZIS has refused seven Filipinos entry to New Zealand because of “misrepresentation”.

The group arrived at Auckland airport last Wednesday but were returned to the Philippines on the next available flight, according to the Philippine Star newspaper.

Immigration officers doubted the purpose of the group’s visit because they had neither confirmed itineraries nor accommodation.

The newspaper quoted Lolita Capco of the Philippine Embassy in Wellington who said this was the second time Filipinos had been refused entry to New Zealand.

Two Filipinos were sent home in January due to “doubtful bona fides and false declaration of reason for coming to New Zealand”.

“In both cases, certain travel and immigration consultants in Manila had lured these Filipinos, who were hoping to work in New Zealand, to come first as tourists. These agents had made false claims that arrangements were being made for them to take up work eventually.

“The Philippine Embassy urges would-be Filipino migrants to New Zealand to go through proper channels and procedures.

“The Embassy likewise reminds Filipino migrants in New Zealand not to aid illegal migrants to avoid the severe penalties of the country’s strict immigration laws.”

It is believed Mrs Capco had last week’s sentencing of Deny Setiadi, a 28-year-old Indonesian man, in mind.

Mr Setiadi was sentenced in Napier High Court to four and a half years in jail after pleading guilty to arranging the unauthorised immigration of seven Indonesians.