New Zealand Parties Reach Agreement On Modern Slavery Bill

Submissions closed today on a bill intended to simplify the deportation process for individuals who have committed crimes or whose visas have lapsed. Migrant advocates expressed concern that the legislation could lead to crackdowns on asylum seekers and overstayers similar to those in the United States. Ministry of Justice officials warned that children without residency status would lose the ability to appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal. Submissions on the Immigration Enhanced Risk Management Amending Bill close today. Currently, these individuals can appeal by demonstrating exceptional humanitarian circumstances and public interest factors. A cabinet paper indicates the bill would grant immigration officers expanded powers to demand identity documents. Immigration lawyer Stuart Dalley stated the bill moves New Zealand toward American-style immigration compliance. Dalley noted that these expanded powers could disproportionately affect Pacific nationals.