Media Release

12 September 2002

Immigration Fraud Inquiries A "Joke" Says Peters

Immigration fraud inquiries being carried out in Pakistan and Australia by the Department of Internal Affairs have been described as a “joke” by New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.

Investigators in both countries are making inquiries into alleged cases of fraud involving applications for New Zealand citizenship and residency.

Mr Peters pointed out that the Government has been in denial all this year about the serious and widespread immigration fraud and he cannot believe that only $2,210 is being spent on the investigation.

“This is barely enough to cover the postage and paperwork. It certainly wont get to the bottom of the problem.”

Mr Peters rejected the suggestion that only 1000 people could have entered New Zealand illegally using false documents.

“The number is more likely to be 10,000. What about the family fraud, the false job offers, the false passports, marriage fraud, and the English language tests using qualified dummies?”

“The real issue is who is responsible for allowing these people into New Zealand in the first place?

“We receive information every day from immigrants pointing out the massive frauds that they are aware of but the New Zealand Immigration Service seems powerless to act and the Minister turns a blind eye in daily denial,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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