Hon Tony Ryall MP
National Party Immigration Spokesman

24 January 2005

Immigration needs a more disciplined approach

National Party Immigration spokesman Tony Ryall says New Zealand clearly needs a far more disciplined approach to immigration given the case of the former Peruvian policeman who admits torturing government opponents.

Gabriel Sequeiros Garate's previous bid to live in New Zealand was declined, with the judgment noting he used torture methods "similar to the Nazi techniques" during interrogations.

But High Court judge Rodney Hansen has now ordered the Removal Review Authority to reconsider the case a second time.

"The law should be clear. People with records of violence are not welcome here.

"New Zealand should not be a safe haven for those with terrorist connections or those with a history of brutality.

"Our country needs a far more disciplined approach to immigration than that which Labour is providing.

"We need policies that make skills and fitting in here top priorities," says Mr Ryall.

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