What is immigration fraud?

Immigration fraud is breaching, or attempting to breach, New Zealand’s immigration laws. Some broad examples are:

• presenting a false or altered passport or other document in support of a visa application, 
• providing any false or misleading information in support of a visa application,
• assisting someone to come to New Zealand, or remain here, when the person does not hold a visa or the correct type of visa,
• while assisting someone to come to New Zealand, misleading them as to the type of work they will be doing or the purpose of their travel.

Penalties

The Immigration Act 2009 provides penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment and a $100,000 fine for immigration fraud. 

If residence status was obtained through immigration fraud a person risks being deported. 

A person who has procured citizenship on the basis of immigration fraud can be deprived of their citizenship. 

What we do

Immigration New Zealand does not tolerate immigration fraud, because it undermines our immigration system. It can also contribute to situations where vulnerable people find they are being exploited. 

The integrity of our immigration system is paramount, given its importance to our country and our international reputation. 

We have a team of investigators dedicated to investigating and, where appropriate, prosecuting people for immigration fraud. 

Wide-ranging other anti-fraud measures are in place, including:

• screening of all passengers at offshore airport check-in, 
• the exchange of biometric information (e.g. fingerprints) with the UK, Australia, Canada and the US under the umbrella of the Five Country Conference, 
• a joint US, Australia, New Zealand border control system that immediately identifies passengers when they check in at offshore airports if they attempt to use lost or stolen New Zealand, Australian or US passports, 
• close scrutiny of visa applications.

In addition to border controls, we pay particular attention to the horticulture/viticulture industries, and the export education sector.

Fraud in the horticulture and viticulture sector (i.e. the exploitation of unlawful foreign workers) has reduced significantly since the introduction in 2008 of a Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, whereby approved employers are able to engage workers from various Pacific countries to assist them with seasonal work. For more information on requirements, see the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme. 

Reflecting the importance of the education sector to New Zealand’s economy – at $2.3 billion annually, it is among our top five export earners – we work closely with the Ministry of Education and New Zealand Qualifications Authority to ensure the integrity of education providers for international students. If we are dissatisfied with the operation of a provider from an immigration perspective we apply sanctions that can include suspending or terminating the processing of applications for study there.

New Zealand law prohibits foreign nationals on temporary visas working in the sex industry.  Immigration New Zealand is vigilant in identifying sex workers attempting to work illegally, and action is taken against those who employ them or facilitate their entry into New Zealand.  Sex workers working illegally also risk deportation and restrictions on returning. 

What to do

Anyone who has suspicions of immigration fraud should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. More information on immigration fraud:

• People smuggling
• People trafficking 
• Identity information management

Five Country Conference

New Zealand is a member of the Five Country Conference, a forum for immigration and border security. Anti-fraud information involving New Zealand’s partner countries is available at: 

• Australia
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• United States of America