1. PETER BROWN (Deputy Leader—NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Immigration
What is the New Zealand Immigration Service’s definition of “good character”?
Hon SHANE JONES (Associate Minister of Immigration) Link to this
I am advised that all migrants to New Zealand must be of good character. The grounds for a person to be considered as not being of good character are set out in the Immigration Act 1987 and the Immigration New Zealand policy manual.
Were the 190 non-citizens currently in jail for sexual offences, including the 109 who have committed sex offences against children and young people, adjudged by the Immigration Service to be of good character when initially allowed into this country; if so, does he still believe that they are of good character?
Obviously we are deeply concerned about anyone in prison who has committed a sexual offence. For people where the Department of Labour and the Immigration Service are considering granting residence or long-term work permits, there is a rigorous character screening process.
Would Abdulhussein Shahid Abdulhussein, an Iraqi who abducted and raped a 16-year-old schoolgirl just 2 years after his arrival, and who then tried to downplay it by claiming that his cultural background made him believe a woman on the street without anyone to protect her was available for sex, be regarded as of good character, or is it because he is a refugee that that criterion does not count?
In relation to the individual named by Mr Brown, I obviously stand with everyone in the House in expressing a sense of revulsion that anyone should believe that his or her culture permits that person to indulge in such activity. As to his short-term prospects, it would be a little early for us to speculate on that matter. But the House should rest assured we do not share the view that he should be permitted to use culture to disguise his wrongdoing.
Can the Minister confirm that the 378 non - New Zealanders who are currently in jail for violent offences were judged by the Immigration Service to be of good character when initially granted the right to stay in New Zealand; if so, what is the Minister going to do to improve migrant screening in order to ensure the safety of New Zealanders from immigrants who are clearly not of good character?
In reply to the references that the member makes to the wrongdoing of those people, yes, they did go through a screening process. I would point out, however, that their criminal acts have been committed after they arrived here in New Zealand. Police checks are required. Obviously if the system needs to improved, I would encourage the member to send any ideas forward. But we have a great deal of confidence in the very rigorous police checks that are used on all residency applications.