New Zealand visa delays resulting in death threats: Aaron responds

 

Today, Radio New Zealand reported that immigration advisers in India are receiving death threats and abuse from clients experiencing ongoing New Zealand visa delays from New Zealand Immigration.

This has been an ongoing problem faced by Immigration New Zealand (and its clients) repeatedly over the 23 years I have been working in the sector. Things will improve for a period of time and then deteriorate again.

Sadly however, the world has moved on and expectations around timeliness are much higher than what they used to be. Employers have expressed frustration at the delays. Education providers have expressed frustration at the delays. The message from Immigration New Zealand management however has been “suck it up”. That would have to be reflective of the government’s approach because the ability to deal with it comes down to resourcing which is entirely in the control of the Minister and his cabinet colleagues.

The Ministers comments on the delays have essentially been ‘I am watching the situation’, but with little suggestion of any practical steps being taken to deal with the problem. Immigration officers are also exasperated. One has to question why the government continues to under-resource a government agency with such an important part to play in the New Zealand economy.

You can read the original article about the ongoing New Zealand visa delays here.

If you’re having issues with your New Zealand visa, you can contact Aaron and the NZIL team here.

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