This section contains information and advice specific to the airline industry.
From 1 July 2012, commercial airlines operating flights to New Zealand may become liable for infringement fees for breaching certain immigration-related obligations. The Guide to the Carrier Infringement Regime for Airlines (INZ 1203) PDF [546 KB] is provided to assist airlines to understand how the Carrier Infringement Regime will operate.
Operators of private aircraft should be aware that while many aspects of the infringement offence regime are not applicable to them, they must nevertheless comply with all their obligations under the Immigration Act 2009. In particular, operators of private aircraft must ensure that each person travelling to New Zealand has the appropriate travel documentation. Failure to do so may lead to either an infringement notice being served on the owner or person in charge of the craft, or to prosecution.
The Advance Passenger Screening (APS) system is a key electronic system in enhancing the security of New Zealand's borders, connected to virtually all airlines worldwide. Airlines advise one or more governments of a passenger’s intended travel, and receive a boarding directive from the governments confirming whether to board the passenger.
To access the APS system, go to www.aps.immigration.govt.nz/APPCrew/. You need an account name and password to gain entry to this secure site.
To request a printed copy of the booklet Information for Airlines (INZ 1117) [932KB] PDF:
This document describes Immigration Control Areas, effective 29 November 2010. Immigration Control Areas PDF.
The enforcement approach paper, Enforcing the Immigration Act 2009 – Employers and Carriers, outlines the Ministry of Business, Innovatin and Employment's approach to enforcement of employer and carrier obligations. This approach places greater emphasis on voluntary compliance and the building of collaborative relations, while retaining flexibility and discretion to use a range of tools to address non-compliance with obligations.
This paper also outlines the Ministry’s enforcement principles that govern enforcement policies in relation to the employer and carrier sectors and the support available to organisations and individuals who may require assistance in resolving compliance issues. See Enforcing the Immigration Act PDF.
