“However if you try and trick the system you will be caught out”, so says Liam Clifford of www.globalvisas.com. This comes amid the recent scandal with the New Zealand immigration head, Mary Anne Thompson.
It is alleged that Thompson helped three family members from the tiny Pacific island of Kiribati get residency in New Zealand. They were approved and fast tracked even though the application came in late and the quota was at the time full. A hand written letter asking for speedy processing was also found attached to the application.
Thompson who became head of immigration in 2004, was well respected in political spheres, however her dishonesty has now completely tarnished her reputation.
There are two ways that a successful applicant can be eligible for migration to New Zealand. The first is via a residence visa or permit and the second is via a work to residence visa or permit which will enable a successful.
Thompson sidelined the rules when submitting residency applications for her family because of her position. Her doing even went unpunished even though the minister of immigration, Clayton Cosgrove, was aware of the allegations earlier.
Thompson’s family initially came to New Zealand for a holiday, but then applied for residency against the immigration departments rules. Her resignation was inevitable after she helped gain visa waivers and applied for residency against policy laws.
“Her moves came back to bite her, therefore highlighting how such side stepping is not tolerated by the New Zealand government almost all countries in fact”, says Clifford.
The legal route is the way to go, even those who have friends in high places are caught out if they try test the system, so this is an apt warning to all those looking to find an easier route.
