Immigration New Zealand (INZ) can confirm that two individuals who arrived in New Zealand yesterday morning from South
East Asia and failed to comply with the requirements to self-isolate have been made liable for deportation under the
Immigration Act.
On Saturday, the Government announced that every person entering New Zealand from anywhere in the world will be required
to self-isolate for 14 days, excluding the Pacific.
The pair are required to remain in New Zealand for the period of the 14 day self-isolation.
INZ Compliance and Verification General Manager Stephen Vaughan says by not self-isolating, these individuals are
putting the rest of New Zealand at risk.
“This kind of behaviour is completely irresponsible and will not be tolerated which is why these individuals have been
made liable for deportation.
“They are currently being quarantined. If they fail to depart after quarantine, they will be arrested and detained under
the Immigration Act. Being deported has serious consequences. It means individuals will be banned from returning to New
Zealand for a period of time and they may also find it difficult to travel to other countries,” says Stephen Vaughan.
“The travel restrictions and requirements to self-isolate are in place for a good reason and will help save lives by
reducing the spread of coronavirus. It is important that all travellers to New Zealand abide with those requirements.
“New Zealand is going hard, and going early, to do everything it can to protect New Zealand from COVID-19 and INZ is
committed to doing all it can to help protect New Zealand during this uncertain time.”