11. PETER BROWN (Deputy Leader—NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Immigration
How many Zimbabweans, as of 21 February 2007, have applied for residency under the Special Zimbabwe Residence Policy following the HIV/AIDS waiver announced on 30 August 2006, and how many of the remaining 800 who were eligible under the policy as at 30 August 2006 have yet to apply?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE (Minister of Immigration) Link to this
I am advised that the original estimate of 800 has been subsequently refined to 460. Of those, as at the first week of February 2007—the most recent point for which data is available—approximately 134 eligible persons had yet to apply.
Can the Minister explain the discrepancy between his answer to a written question, which stated that 85 of the 800 eligible Zimbabweans had applied as of 13 February 2007, and his media statement, made on 15 February 2007, which stated that only 130 of the 800 had yet to apply—because now, by downsizing the number, he has added to the confusion?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
I will be happy to check the exact basis of the two figures that the member quoted earlier. But I think the member—and all members of the House—would agree with me that it is indeed a good thing for New Zealand that the number outstanding is reduced, and that officers of the Department of Labour are checking on an individual basis with the 134 people who have yet to apply.
Will the Minister give the House an assurance that he will seek the removal of all Zimbabweans who do not conform and apply for residency before 28 February?
Hon DAVID CUNLIFFE Link to this
The Government’s policy on this matter is clear: that any member of the community who fails to apply by the deadline date can have no guarantee of residence, as those who applied before that date do under the policy.