8 March 2006
Overstayers in Police custody

Twelve people in New Zealand unlawfully are in police custody following a visit to a residence near Te Anau this morning.

Immigration staff from the Department of Labour, assisted by Police, visited Takaro Peace Resort as a result of information people were there without valid immigration permits.

An Immigration Manager at the Department, Steven May, said 12 people found to be without permits were served with removal notices, and were taken into Police custody.

The 12 people are from Eastern European countries. They had previously been legally in New Zealand on temporary permits, now expired.

They are currently travelling to Dunedin Police Station where they will be interviewed later today.

There has also been an appeal made on their behalf for the Associate Immigration Minister to intervene and reconsider their status. This will need to be resolved, and the outcome of the interviews considered, prior to any decision as to whether to remove the people to their home countries.

ENDS

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