Immigration Rule Change A Farce
New Zealand First has described the new immigration rules covering defacto couples as a “farce open to widespread
abuse”.
Deputy Leader Peter Brown said treating defacto partners the same as married couples for immigration purposes opens a
Pandora’s box of opportunities for enterprising immigrants seeking residence in New Zealand.
“The new system outlined by the Minister is very confusing. In one breath she talks about couples in a relationship for
two years and in another she says they must be together for twelve months.
“We have numerous cases of abuse of the immigration system by people who enter defacto relationships with New Zealanders
to obtain residency. In all these cases brought to our attention, New Zealand women and men have ended up hurt and
betrayed while the immigrant stays here courtesy of the taxpayers.
“This change is simply a case of a Government, which does not believe in marriage anyway, making it easier for illegal
immigrants to stay in New Zealand.
“As usual, the wishes of New Zealanders come last in immigration matters,” said Mr Brown