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 “In all, 26 visa applications were lodged, 15 were approved in time for the meeting, and one application was withdrawn.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

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