More Staff Reveal Troubling Issues in INZ Visa Processing

Multiple current and former Immigration New Zealand (INZ) employees have come forward with concerns about the country's visa processing system. They report a series of problematic practices designed to expedite visa approvals, including ignoring criminal records, not reviewing supporting documents in visa applications, and taking a "light touch" approach to work visas at the border.

INZ staff also raised concerns about the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, describing it as flawed and manipulated by bad actors within the system.

Key Issues Raised by INZ Staff:

1. Ignoring Criminal Records: Employees were instructed to disregard criminal convictions and investigations when granting visas and residency, even in cases where applicants had multiple convictions.
2. Not Reviewing Supporting Documents: Staff were discouraged from opening and examining attachments on visa applications, a practice aimed at reducing processing times.
3. Testing the System: Some staff tested the system by attaching photos of household pets instead of legitimate supporting documents in a dummy visa application. Shockingly, this fake application was allegedly approved.
4. "Face Value" Approach: Border staff were advised not to scrutinize work visa holders and were instructed to accept them at "face value."
5. Streamlined Visitor Visa Processing: Officers were asked to adopt a "streamlined" approach to visitor visas, where they only conducted a quick scan of documents.
6. Pressure on Staff: INZ staff claimed they were under pressure to process applications quickly, with performance evaluations tied to the number of decisions made.
7. Lack of Accountability: The use of an automated visa operating system, ADEPT, led to reduced human decision-making and a lack of documentation for areas of concern.
8. Quality Concerns: Staff expressed worries that the rushed decision-making process could result in poor-quality decisions and a lack of due diligence.

INZ's Response:

Acting head of immigration Catriona Robinson denied specific instructions to disregard criminal records or avoid reviewing visa attachments. She emphasized that character waivers would be considered for individuals with criminal records on a case-by-case basis.
Robinson also defended the "streamlined" approach for low-risk visitor visa applications, suggesting that certain standard checks could eliminate the need to examine attachments.
Regarding border staff, Robinson stated that their primary role was not to re-assess visa applications but to facilitate entry for individuals with legitimate visas, unless new information came to light.

Despite the allegations, Robinson encouraged individuals to provide specific details for further investigation and assured that staff were encouraged to report any concerns.

Source: Stuff.co.nz