Dr Hon Lockwood Smith MP
National Party Immigration Spokesman

13 September 2007

Better systems needed to avoid repeat of Zaoui case

The long-running Ahmed Zaoui case illustrates the need for better systems to avoid such cases dragging on for years and costing taxpayers millions of dollars, says National Party Immigration spokesman Dr Lockwood Smith.

“This case dragged on too long, and at great expense to New Zealand taxpayers who have a right to feel deeply concerned.

“This man was afforded full access to the best the New Zealand legal system had to offer.

“Surely the starting point with any review of how this case proceeded is the time it has taken to get to this point.

“The total cost to the taxpayer up until late August has been $2.54 million – but could go far higher because that figure does not include Corrections costs.

“National believes changes to the Immigration Act proposed by the Government may avoid a repeat of this fiasco.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media