2002 Passport Fraudster May Be Deported

An Indian woman who came to New Zealand in 2002 on a false passport that she subsequently used to obtain residence, citizenship and a New Zealand passport now faces possible deportation.

Harleen Singh, aged 29, of Mt Wellington, was sentenced by the Auckland District Court today to 10 months’ home detention and 150 hours’ community service after earlier admitting five charges under the Immigration Act 1987, two under the Citizenship Act 1977 and one under the Passport Act 1992.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) are now considering her citizenship and immigration status respectively. If she is deprived of her New Zealand citizenship INZ could deport her.

INZ General Manager Intelligence, Risk and Integrity, Steve Stuart, says INZ holds people accountable for providing false or misleading information when applying for immigration status in New Zealand.

“We grant residence to up to 50,000 foreign nationals each year,” he says. “People wishing to make their future here must meet immigration policy to become a resident. That includes telling the truth and being who they say they are. Those who choose to lie to gain residence in New Zealand will be found out and the consequences for them and their family can be grave. This case should serve as a warning to others who might be tempted to do likewise.”

After failing in earlier attempts to live in New Zealand under her birth name, Harleen Singh returned under another name on a false passport that she subsequently used to obtain residence.

“The fact that this happened 10 years ago doesn’t make it in any way acceptable – the passage of time doesn’t deter us from holding immigration fraudsters to account,” Mr Stuart says.

“Identity fraud is a major challenge for INZ and is not tolerated. We investigate and we prosecute because the integrity of our immigration system is paramount, given its importance to New Zealand and our international reputation.”

Mr Stuart says residence often leads to citizenship and the issuing of a New Zealand passport.

“New Zealanders enjoy an international reputation as being low risk with the consequent freedom of travel that brings. It’s important that we protect that reputation and deal firmly with those who seek to obtain those privileges through deceit.”

INZ is continuing to strengthen its work with international partners, including through the development of a biometric programme, to enable greater detection of people attempting identity fraud.