2011-Aug 05: Deportation costs to be repaid before person can enter New Zealand

Visa Pak 28 - Information about deportation costs to be paid before person can enter New Zealand and before an Immigration officer can consider an application.

Visa Paks

5 August 2011

Deportation costs to be repaid before person can enter New Zealand 

Section 180 of the Immigration Act 2009 states that any deported person over the age of 18 may not return to NZ, or be granted a visa or entry permission, until he or she has repaid any debt due to the Crown in respect of the costs of his or her deportation.

This requirement is in addition to the expiry of any prohibition period imposed upon deportation from NZ (Section 179).

The Minister of Immigration has delegated the power to reduce or waive any debt due to the Crown to managers in the Compliance, Risk, and Intelligence Services (A15.5 of the INZ Operational Manual).

Before an Immigration Officer can consider an application for any client who has prior removal or deportation costs outstanding they must ensure those costs are repaid to the Crown or satisfactory arrangements are made for repayment.