Immigration New Zealand has notified the police about an immigration scam exploiting the Fijian community that is thought to be operating in the Auckland area.
These are the words of New Zealand Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman.
The alleged scam involves offers of residency permits under the Pacific Access Category, which one has to register for to the Immigration Department, with their names then drawn from a ballot to be invited to apply for residence.
Coleman said there has been no change to the policy of excluding Fijians from the Pacific Access Category.
The policy has been in place since 2006.
He adds Immigration New Zealand is the only agency which can grant visas to travel to New Zealand or permits to remain here.
Coleman adds anyone offering a visa or permit to a Fijian national under the Pacific Access Category is providing misleading information and acting illegally.
He said any person who receives such an offer should contact Immigration New Zealand in the first instance.
