11 May 2016 at 9:00 am
Response to student visa fraud allegations
The New Zealand government has a zero tolerance against fraud. Every visa application undergoes a robust assessment.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) have become more aware of risk and fraud in some markets including India and measures are in place to identify and manage the fraud. The high visa decline rates are evidence of a significant effort by INZ to manage students who submit false and misleading information.
India is the second largest source of international students to New Zealand. India is and will continue to form a large part of the international education industry. The vast majority of students who study in New Zealand make a very valuable contribution to our campuses, our workplaces and our society.
Every day Indian students, alongside other international students, are helping New Zealand to build its research capability and global linkages, to fill skill shortages and enrich our culture. The actions of a small minority must not damage the reputation of a whole nation and undermine the significant contribution the vast majority of international students make to New Zealand society.
If there are cases of the rules being flouted, we urge people to report those cases so they can be investigated and addressed fully.
ENZ works closely with our fellow agencies including INZ, New Zealand Qualifications Authority and the Ministry of Education top ensure that New Zealand continues to have a high quality education system which delivers for New Zealand and international students.
