2015-Oct 02: Deportation costs to be repaid before person can enter New Zealand

Visa Pak 231 - Reminder to staff to ensure that deportation costs are to be repaid before a person can enter New Zealand.

Visa Paks

2 October 2015

Deportation costs to be repaid before person can enter New Zealand

Context

Section 180 of the Immigration Act 2009 states that any deported person over the age of 18 may not return to New Zealand, 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 New Zealand (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 (refer A15.5 of the Immigration New Zealand 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.

Action

Please discuss with your team(s) for their information. Please note that this replaces any previous advice on Deportation Costs to be repaid before person can enter New Zealand.