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Mass arrivals to New Zealand
New Zealand has international obligations to prevent and combat people smuggling by land, sea and air. New Zealand is a party to the United Nations Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air (the Migrant Smuggling Protocol).
The message to anyone contemplating an illegal maritime journey is simple, any attempt to reach New Zealand will put your life and the lives of your family members at great risk. There is every chance you will not make it to New Zealand.
People smugglers knowingly mislead and are not to be trusted. They will take people’s money and not deliver on their promises. People wishing to come to New Zealand should do so through legal channels.
You may be detained on arrival. New Zealand law gives Immigration New Zealand (INZ) the ability to detain people being smuggled into New Zealand for up to six months, which can be extended for up to 28 days at a time.
Permanent residency may also not be an option for you or your extended family. If you travel to New Zealand illegally by sea, you must wait three years for your refugee claim to be reassessed before you can apply for permanent residence. And even if you do obtain residency, you cannot sponsor extended family to join you in New Zealand.
People smuggling is a serious criminal offence. In New Zealand, people smuggling is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a $500,000 fine. We will investigate and pursue those who seek to make a profit from vulnerable migrants.