14 June 2007

Zaoui Saga Cost $3 Million And Rising

New Zealand First Deputy Leader Peter Brown says he's appalled that the ongoing Ahmed Zaoui case has so far cost New Zealanders almost $3 million with no end in sight to the four year old saga.

Written questions obtained by Mr Brown show the total costs of Zaoui's case for Government departments to date have almost reached $3 million, and are likely to be far higher due to a number of costs unable to be made public.

“Zaoui’s cost to New Zealand is absolutely staggering,” said Mr Brown.

"It is ridiculous that this case has gone on for so long. While he should not have been granted entry into New Zealand in the first place, he should never have been allowed to be such a burden on the New Zealand taxpayer.

“The situation gets worse. Despite indications that a decision on deporting him may be made by the end of the year, it is likely Zaoui will be with us for a long time yet. Even if it is determined that Zaoui is a risk to New Zealand and should be deported, our current laws allow deportees to indefinitely stall their deportation. Even after all his appeals are exhausted, Zaoui could still choose to remain here - again at great expense to the taxpayer.

"This farcical situation makes it clear that our laws must allow us to deport those we do not want here. If Zaoui is found to be a security risk, he must go immediately. To have it any other way is simply not acceptable," concluded Mr Brown.

ENDS

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