New Zealand is a popular destination in the world. It is an attractive site for students, tourists, workers, and migrants. The Kiwi country offers excellent work-life balance and some breathtaking beauty. The country sees a high demand for entrants throughout the year but all can not enter this beautiful country. One has to fulfill certain requirements to be able to enter this country. One must know the possible reasons that may lead to New Zealand Entry Denial.
Reasons for Denial.
The official site of New Zealand immigration says that the reasons for denial of entry into New Zealand are related to their status as a temporary entrant, and their character. The first reason, as the site says that an applicant may not be considered to be a genuine (bona fide) temporary entrant. This means they are not seen as a credible entrant by the New Zealand government. And the nation believes that these people are to breach the conditions of their visa if granted or remain in New Zealand unlawfully.
Various other reasons prevent someone from being a bona fide temporary entrant. The visa office will refuse entrants who have overstayed in other countries because they might repeat the same behavior in New Zealand. Funds are another reason for refusal. If the entrants fail to give valid proof to have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in the country, they could be denied entry. Additionally, the immigration office will not allow people with past criminal records to enter the country. They may pose a risk to the country’s security or social order.
The second reason as per the New Zealand government is related to the applicant’s character. People may be refused entry into New Zealand if they do not meet the character requirements to get a visa. This means if the entrant fails to prove to meet the required standards of good character they may not be allowed to enter the country. Possible reasons to rule out include having serious criminal convictions, deportation, or exclusion from a foreign country on arrival.
What Happens in Case of Denial?
There are some serious consequences if you are denied entry into the country. If you are denied entry then you are obliged to return to your point of origin. Additionally, depending on the reason for entry denial the entrant may be subject to Section 313 of the Immigration Act 2009. Which means that they may be liable for arrest and detention
If an Immigration Officer on duty refuses to let someone enter New Zealand, Section 313 of the Immigration Act 2009 gives them the power to arrest and detain that person. The person will stay in detention until they can go back to where they came from. How long they stay in detention also depends on different factors.
Possible factors for a Visa Denial.
- refuse to complete an arrival card
- provide false or misleading information on any part of your arrival card
- refuse to let an immigration officer take your photo, fingerprints, or an iris scan
- possess controlled or prohibited substances, or plan to import them, without proper authority
- do not meet the health and character requirements
- do not have a valid visa or travel document
- do not have evidence to support the conditions of your visa
- do not have onward travel arrangements to a country you have the right to enter
Conclusion.
However, there is an alternative to detention under Section 315 of the Immigration Act 2009. This will allow the detainees to release on Residence and Reporting Requirements. This means that the person can stay in the country under certain conditions. These include reporting to an Immigration Officer regularly or staying in a particular location.
