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Deportation: Being made to leave New Zealand

Overview of deportation

You can be deported from New Zealand because:

  • you’re here “unlawfully” (illegally) – for example, if your visa has now expired but you’ve stayed in the country
  • you’re here lawfully on a current Temporary Visa or Residence Class Visa, but you’ve done something wrong, like breaking the law or breaching the conditions of your visa (for example, working when you’ve only got a visitor’s visa).

This section explains the grounds on which you can deported, the process that Immigration New Zealand has to follow if they want to deport you, and what you can do to challenge the decision to deport you.

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Immigration

Where to go for more support

Community Law

Your local Community Law Centre can provide you with free initial legal advice.

Find your local Community Law Centre online: www.communitylaw.org.nz/our-law-centres

Immigration New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand is the government organisation that deals with visa applications and other immigration issues. It’s part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Website: www.immigration.govt.nz
Phone: 0508 558 855

The Operational manual contains immigration instructions that people who want to come to New Zealand must follow. While it is not a step-by-step guide, it will help you follow Immigration New Zealand’s processes. Access it here: www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual

See also Immigration’s policies and processes: www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/policy-and-law/how-the-immigration-system-operates

Immigration and Protection Tribunal

The Immigration and Protection Tribunal determines appeals on Immigration New Zealand’s decisions about refugee and protection matters.

Website: www.justice.govt.nz/Tribunals/immigration/immigration-and-protection

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