Media Release

14 August 2003

Where Is The Missing Asylum Seeker?

New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters has revealed that an asylum seeker has been missing from the Refugee Centre in Henderson since April and that his disappearance has been kept secret by the Immigration Service and Refugee Council.

Mr Peters said today that the Government has some explaining to do about whether the man is a security risk and what is being done to find him.

“The asylum seeker was taken to the centre in late March. He enjoyed the companionship of some Iranian friends while there but disappeared in late April.

“This so-called asylum-seeker owned a car. Police called at the centre and took his belongings after he left.

“This matter has been hushed up by the Immigration Service and the Refugee Council.

“Perhaps the Minister could explain why she did not take the people of New Zealand into her confidence over this issue.

“She could also explain what she has done to find this person who obviously had the means to buy a car and become involved in some of the recreational activity available in Auckland,” said Mr Peters.

“The time for covering up is over Minister. Is this man a suspected terrorist? Why was he allowed to enter New Zealand? Why has he not been found and deported?

“It’s time to tell us what is really going on at the Refugee Centre.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media