New Zealand immigration announces penalties for airlines

New Zealand, 9th April: New Zealand immigration has introduced new rules for penalizing airlines breaching border protection norms.

This was announced by New Zealand immigration minister Nathan Guy.

New immigration rules by New Zealand—As per changes to New Zealand immigration rules, airlines allowing people to come to New Zealand without valid visa or passport will face a fine of up to $5,000.

Each year, around 4.5 million people come to New Zealand . So, its important to keep the borders safe and secure, states immigration minister Mr. Guy.

New immigration regime will impose fines between $500 and $5,000 depending on the nature of the immigration breach, he informed. So, airlines will have to be vigilant that foreigners wanting to come to New Zealand possess necessary travel documents including a valid visa and a passport, the minister stated.

Immediate action against airlines for immigration breach— As per current New Zealand immigration rules under the Immigration Act, court prosecution may take time as well as money.

But, new rules will work towards striking a perfect balance between compliance with the immigration rule and imposing a reasonable penalty on the airlines found to be breaching the rule. The best part of the new immigration regime announced by Immigration New Zealand is that authorities will be empowered to take immediate action against airlines found to be breaching immigration laws.

No doubt, majority of airlines are fulfilling requirements, but the need of the hour is to stress on the importance of abiding by immigration rules since it can have a serious impact on the nation, the immigration minister clarified.

Abuse of rules under the Immigration Act could lead to inflow of foreigners to work in New Zealand unlawfully, human trafficking or blow to New Zealand’s health system, he asserted.

New immigration rules will make New Zealand competitive--Changed New Zealand immigration rules will bring the nation in line with other nations including the US, Canada, the UK and Australia, all of which already have strict immigration fines on airlines breaching immigration rules, Mr. Guy clarified.

Immigration New Zealand is already involved in offering education and training to airlines for enforcement of immigration rules. And new immigration rules are coming into effect following consultations with airlines.