Summarised by Centrist
Government figures reveal that only 784 individuals were deported in the last year, including voluntary departures, barely exceeding the previous year’s total.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) annual report attributes the shortfall to reduced seat availability and inflated airfares, which have hindered both enforced removals and voluntary compliance.
In contrast, 1,900 people were deported in the last full pre-pandemic year, 2018-19. Most were voluntary departures prompted by deportation orders, although many breached visas or committed crimes. Recent data from July to September show 239 deportations, with about 100 funded by Immigration Compliance and Investigation.
In addition, the Immigration and Protection Tribunal’s latest report notes that over half of the cases were overturned in 2022/23. One notable example involved a 62-year-old man who overstayed his visa for 37 years.
Initially visiting New Zealand in 1987 on a three-month visa, he built a life with steady employment and family ties but a workplace audit revealed his lack of residency. The tribunal ruled against his deportation due to his long-term contributions and support for family members.
