Story: Pacific Islands and New Zealand

This government notice was displayed in post offices around New Zealand. Encouraging those who had overstayed their visas to register with the Department of Labour, it assured them that a ‘proper degree of flexibility’ would be used when deciding whether an individual would be required to leave, have their permit extended, or be given permanent residence. On the basis of amnesties like this one, some thousands of people did gain residency, or left without being arrested or deported. Despite offering such amnesties, the government prosecuted a far greater proportion of Pacific Islanders who overstayed than people from other parts of the world who had also overstayed their visas.

Courtesy of the Ministry of Business, Innovation, & Employment.