7 March 2000

UNITED NEW ZEALAND WANTS FULL INQUIRY INTO NEW DELHI OFFICE OF NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION SERVICE

United New Zealand Party leader, Hon Peter Dunne is calling for a full inquiry into the operations of the New Zealand Immigration Service Office in New Delhi.

He says the office stands out by a long way for the poor service it provides clients, and there have long been rumours of corruption within its operations, although these do not involve New Zealand staff.

“I have raised the issue on two occasions in the last three years with former Immigration Ministers Max Bradford and Tuariki Delamere, but have been assured on each occasion that there were no serious problems.”

“All the while, the poor and erratic performance of the New Delhi office has continued.”

“People have told me of papers being inexplicably lost; decisions being made which bear little relation to policy or to the time taken for the application to be considered.”

“On behalf of constituents I have experienced cases that have dragged on for months, if not years, without resolution, even though they appear straightforward, while similar cases are resolved in the same office within weeks.”

“It is a shambles and a disgrace,” he says.

Mr Dunne says the problem has now become so widespread it cannot be ignored any longer.

“Indeed, I understand Government MPs are presently being canvassed for their experiences with the New Delhi office so that Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel is compelled to act.”

“I welcome the Government MPs’ concern and interest, and urge the Minister to immediately institute a full, independent inquiry into the New Delhi office to get to the bottom of the problems, and to reassure people in New Zealand and elsewhere about the integrity of our immigration policy, and that it is not for sale,” Mr Dunne says.
ENDS

New Zealand’s Liberal Party

MEDIA STATEMENT
HON PETER DUNNE, MP
LEADER UNITED NEW ZEALAND
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 1.
h (04)471 9410 or (025) 469 808. Fax (04)499 7266.
e-mail: peter.dunne@parliament.govt.nz. Internet Address: http://www.united.org.nz

New Zealand’s Liberal Party

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