East European 'overstayers' in custody

Twelve eastern Europeans who are allegedly in New Zealand unlawfully are in police custody after being found at a residence near Te Anau this morning.

Immigration staff from the Department of Labour, assisted by police, visited Takaro Peace Resort on information people were there without valid immigration permits.

Immigration manager Steven May said 12 people without permits were served with removal notices and taken into custody.

They had previously been in New Zealand legally on temporary permits, but these had expired.

The 12 are on their way to Dunedin police station where they will be interviewed later today.

An appeal has been made on their behalf for the Associate Immigration Minister to intervene and reconsider their status.

This would need to be resolved, and the outcome of the interviews considered, before any decision was made whether to remove the people to their home countries, Mr May said.

- NZPA