12. PETER BROWN (Deputy Leader—NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Immigration
Is the Immigration Service taking any action to find the 98 eligible Zimbabwean nationals at large who did not apply under the Special Residence for Zimbabweans Policy before 28 February 2007; if so, how many have they found to date?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Acting Minister of Immigration) Link to this
I am advised that the department has made a considerable effort to contact people to encourage them to apply under the special policy for residence. I have been advised that the number of eligible applicants who have not applied has now been reduced to 70 from the 98 the member was aware of. The Government’s policy on this matter is clear: anyone who fails to apply by the deadline does not have a guarantee of residence.
Is the Associate Minister of Immigration aware of the Minister’s statement: “Any Zimbabwean national illegally in New Zealand would be subject to removal processes.”; if so, why is the Immigration Service not vigorously searching out these people with a view to their leaving this country?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE Link to this
The department always actively seeks to locate persons unlawfully in New Zealand. Such persons have their cases dealt with on a case by case basis, taking into account their personal situation. The member should note that I have been advised that not all of the 70 individuals are in New Zealand unlawfully.
Noting the last point the Minister made, what does he have to say to the hundreds of people waiting for residency with no guarantees of success, after having applied legally, who see a group of people who have been rejected for guaranteed entry yet are still able to apply through other channels—does he think that is fair, and is it a reflection of Labour’s attitude to immigration?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE Link to this
I can say to that member—and I am sure he is aware of it—that all cases in respect of individual applications are dealt with on their merits and fairly on a case by case basis, and that is as it should be.