Death Sparks Questions Over Vetting of Refugees

While it is sad to hear of the death of refugee Kadhem Chilab Abbas, 42, in Iraq , there are serious questions that should be raised over the vetting of refugees coming to New Zealand, says New Zealand First.

Mr Abbas reportedly settled in New Zealand in 2003.

Questions need to be asked about how genuine some refugees are, what intense examination took place to determine that these were genuine refugees, and what analysis is done on the costs to the New Zealand taxpayer of supporting them on arrival, says Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“This man is reported to have 24 children and 12 still in the Middle East.

“It is said that he frequently returned to the Middle East, which begs the question how genuine was his refugee status in the first place. Of his remaining family in New Zealand who is footing the bill for them.

“If refugees have come here to escape a zone of fear, why then would they return to that same zone?

“New Zealand has enough social welfare costs already with New Zealanders denied assistance in circumstances when their citizenship surely means they would be a priority.

“New Zealand First is asking the Minister of Immigration to explain the exact circumstances of this family of refugees, in particular to the New Zealand taxpayer who, after all, appears to be footing the bill.

“Being allowed to come to New Zealand in refugee circumstances is a privilege which most New Zealanders are happy to extend, but at the same time we are sick of being taken for a ride,” says Mr Peters.

ENDS

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