Government fast-tracks risk of "imported criminality" while attacking refugees

Immigration Minister Nathan Guy's deal with China Southern Airlines to fast-track visas for gold and silver frequent flyer cardholders stands in stark contrast to his proposed legislation scaremongering against non-existent boat people, the Green Party said today.

"Nathan Guy's Immigration Amendment Bill proposes group warrants and mandatory detention for those seeking asylum from oppression, while at the same time he is making it easier for tourists to enter New Zealand on the basis that they may be wealthy," said Green Party immigration spokesperson Jan Logie.

"The Immigration Amendment Bill is scaremongering against the possibility of mass arrivals of asylum seekers in boats on New Zealand shores, something the Government admits has only a negligible probability of occurring.

"Mr Guy is content to ignore New Zealand's obligations under the Refugee Convention when it comes to those fleeing persecution and oppression overseas.

"The Minister was warned that his deal with China Southern Airlines has ignored the risk of 'imported criminality' by Immigration NZ's national manager of intelligence and risk, Shaun Driscoll.

"Mr Guy should listen to the advice from his officials over the China Southern Airlines deal and he must respect New Zealand's commitments to refugees and asylum seekers."