November 5 2007
Robust reasons for immigration visa delays
Immigration officials in New Delhi followed correct procedures when considering visa applications from Indian business
people wanting to attend a Joint Business Council meeting in New Zealand, Department of Labour Workforce Deputy
Secretary Mary Anne Thompson said.
“All visa applications are subject to the same thorough checks to ensure people are travelling to New Zealand for
genuine reasons. The Department has reviewed its decisions on these individuals and stands by them.
“In all, 26 visa applications were lodged, 15 were approved in time for the meeting, and one application was withdrawn.
However, 10 applications required further checks for reasons including fraudulent documents and negative immigration
histories with New Zealand and other countries. These outstanding applications were still under consideration at the
time of the Joint Business Council meeting in New Zealand.
“This involved standard checks which are carried out in any situation where Department staff require further
information.
“The majority of the outstanding applications were only lodged with the Department a week before the meeting in New
Zealand - despite the Department’s website clearly stating that processing can take a number of weeks if checks are
needed.
“Also of note is that this group was not sponsored by an Indian or New Zealand organisation and nine of the 10
applications came from people from companies not listed on the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce website.
“The Department makes careful, considered decisions on all visa applications. All applicants are encouraged to check
visa processing times available on the Department’s website, and ensure they supply genuine documentation to support
their application.”
ENDS