1 March 2005

Where Are The Illegal Refugees Minister?

New Zealand is being swamped by legal aid seeking Zaoui-like refugees, claims New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.

Government answers to written questions reveal that more than 700 illegal immigrants have come to New Zealand in the past three years, destroying their travel documents en route.

“What is more concerning,” said Mr Peters, “is that while 300 of these have been processed through the immigration system, at taxpayer expense, the Government cannot account for the other 400.

“So not only are we clearly seen as a safe haven for illegal immigrants, we are also so slack with our immigration systems that hundreds of people who should not be here have simply slipped off the radar screen.”

Mr Peters, who raised the issue in Parliament today said New Zealand must be the only first world nation that allowed potentially high risk individuals into the country, squandered legal aid on them and then allowed them to wander our streets with impunity.

“It is time the Government tightened up on those arriving after destroying their documents - and sent them straight back to where they came from,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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