Stories by Gill Bonnett
News
Iranian teenager granted refugee status
An Iranian boy who was sexually abused and bullied as a child would face mental and physical harm if he was forced to return and carry out military service, an appeals tribunal has ruled.
How the Five Eyes countries share immigration data
In June, MBIE implemented a system that sped up responses among Five Eyes' border agencies in sharing identity data.
Immigration NZ visa processing finances $135m in the red
The hole in Immigration NZ books has blown out to almost $135m and it's been more than a decade since the agency raised more in visa revenue than it spent.
Managed isolation charges: Third of users not paid fee after three months
A third of all those invoiced for their stays in managed isolation have not paid - more than three months later.
Partnership visa two-tier system: 'What's the logic?'
New Zealand citizens and residents say the government's solution to reuniting them with their overseas partners has led to unexpected, unfair and dangerous consequences.
No refunds for unprocessed visas - 'It's robbery, but it's legal'
Immigrants say they feel scammed after their visas were not processed and they received no refund.
MIQ vacancies: 'Human tragedy behind the empty beds'
Managed isolation planning is under fire after figures show there are still more than 1000 empty places - while separated families say they are being told there is no room at the inn.
Grads locked out of NZ: 'Lost our sleep, our future, our jobs ... still paying expenses'
Recent graduates who spent thousands on their education in New Zealand are questioning why they were left out of a border exemption to get them back to their homes and jobs.
Teen girl wins last-minute reprieve after being told she was in NZ illegally
The 14-year-old girl only found out she was not a New Zealand resident when her mother made a passport inquiry.
Govt, Red Cross spend $15m helping immigrants stranded in NZ
Red Cross says some of those helped were in distressing and sometimes terrifying situations, sleeping in cars and unable to return home.
Hopes pinned on Labour's manifesto leading to significant immigration changes
Migrant groups are looking ahead to what changes the new Labour government will make to border and visa rules.
UK migrant appeals for exemption: 'NZ social workers are stretched'
A British social worker says overseas staff are desperately needed here and they should be allowed a border exemption.
Every MIQ bed left empty is a 'tragedy'
A third of all managed isolation spaces have lain empty since July, with average vacancies running at more than 2000 every day.
Overseas workers told to leave too soon and unfairly - adviser
Overseas workers are being 'consigned to the rubbish heap' after the government left them with no option except returning home, according to an immigration adviser.
Border staff testing plan revealed in new government documents
Newly released documents show 500 out of an estimated 7000 border and managed isolation staff were tested for Covid-19 in the first week of August.
'Huge opportunity': NZ-based movie productions ramping up
It's shaping to be a record year for the New Zealand screen industry kickstarted by border exemptions for Hollywood actors and crew, the Film Commission says.
Only 23 invoices paid for managed isolation fees in first seven weeks
Almost nine out of 10 of all applications to waive managed isolation charges have been approved.
NZ First pledges to create rural visa scheme
New Zealand First wants to lure immigrants into towns and smaller cities under a new rural visa scheme.
'Unethical' immigration refund process challenged
An embryologist who could not take up a job in New Zealand because of the border closure says it is unethical for authorities to keep hold of the immigration fees she and others have paid.
Election 2020: Immigration reset or a new normal?
NZ First says mass immigration should be consigned to the past, National wants to introduce a tech visa and Labour says there will be a new normal. RNZ looks at the immigration debate behind this… Audio
Uncertainty for immigrants as visa extensions fail to materialise
Immigrants waiting for news on their visas expiring tomorrow have been told they can use a media release to show employers they are still eligible to work.
Stranded backpackers 'really just want to pitch in to help'
Backpackers in New Zealand who bought visas from companies connected with STA Travel are pleading with immigration officials to let them access the jobs they were promised. Audio
Border closure six months on: History-making and life-changing
Today marks six months since New Zealand's border closed for the first time in its history.
More abuse fielded by Immigration NZ staff
Immigration New Zealand staff have been facing increasing abuse and threats from people in "desperate" situations.
Overseas employees on full pay, NZ staff struggle with tech
Staff at overseas government offices who have been off work during lockdown have remained on full pay - at an estimated cost of $7 million.