INZ warns overstayers they could be 'more vulnerable to exploitation'
Nearly 200 employees who came to New Zealand under the temporary Recovery Visa are unlawfully staying in the country, according to reports.
Immigration New Zealand said 177 employees who were under the six-month visa are still in the country, while only 72 people have returned home, Radio New Zealand reported.
Another 615 former Recovery Visa employees are now under a different visa, while 336 are on an interim visa.
Overall, the country welcomed a total of 1,236 people under the Recovery Visa, which was launched last year to fast-track the entry of workers who can support the country's recovery after the Auckland Anniversary flooding and Cyclone Gabriel.
Stephen Vaughan, chief operating officer at Immigration New Zealand, said it was difficult for immigration compliance to make contact to overstayers due to inaccurate or incomplete information provided during the Recovery Visa application process.
"MBIE's immigration compliance team will continue to contact unlawful individuals where possible," Vaughan said as quoted by RNZ.
Immigration NZ said they record all arrivals and departures in New Zealand and are aware when someone has not departed before their visa expired.
"People who overstay their visa may be more vulnerable to exploitation. Employers are committing an offence by employing people who have overstayed their visa," the agency said on its website.
