Media Release

19 September 2007

More Refugees Having Refugee Status Cancelled

New Zealand First associate immigration spokesperson Peter Brown says while he commends the New Zealand Immigration Service for its increase in the identification of criminal and fraudulent refugees, he is concerned that our lax immigration system is allowing far too many bogus refugees into New Zealand in the first place.

Figures obtained by written parliamentary questions show that 23 refugees have had their refugee status cancelled by the Refugee Status Branch in the 2006/07 financial year, up from 10 the previous year. Since 2002/03, a total of 49 refugees have had their refugee status cancelled.

“While Immigration must be complimented for increasing its detection of those granted refugee status undeservedly, it clearly needs to improve its processes to ensure that these people are not let into New Zealand in the first place,” said Mr Brown

"Particularly concerning is the fact that refugee status can only be cancelled if it is found the refugee status is obtained through fraud or if a serious crime had been committed by the individual prior to gaining refugee status, such as a crime against humanity.

"The fact that so many refugees have had their status revoked in the last few years indicates to me that our immigration service is either unable or unwilling to prevent fraudsters and those who have committed serious crimes from entering our country.

"Only genuine refugees should be allowed into New Zealand, and it is essential that Immigration improves its screening processes to ensure all fraudulent and bogus refugee claimants are weeded out before being granted refugee status,” said Mr Brown.

ENDS

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