Immigration investigators swoop on firms

4.00pm

Investigators from the Immigration Service have swooped on five businesses allegedly owned and operated by Asians breaching student visa terms.

The head of the Immigration Service inquiry, which began yesterday, said the initial investigation is to verify the information received about the five businesses.

By last night, the inquiry had confirmed the identity of five Asian nationals associated with the businesses - all in Palmerston North - and here on student visas. Some are at Massey University. At least one is not in New Zealand at the moment.

The investigation leader said the five will not be tossed out of the country immediately for breaching visa requirements, but that could eventually happen after the investigation and interviews are completed.

The investigation follows whistle-blowing letters to Massey University, the Manawatu Standard newspaper and possibly others pointing the finger at five city businesses. Both the university and the newspaper referred the letters to the Immigration Service.

The writer claims to be an Asian student concerned at the misuse of the student visa privilege. However, the address used is false. The writer also makes claims concerning tax, illegal employment and insurance issues.

Immigration Service spokeswoman Kathryn O'Sullivan said operating a business was a breach of student visa terms.

"But it is happening and we do have concerns about it," she said.

"The Immigration Service has removed quite a few students from the country for doing this sort of thing."

Under some circumstances, and with Immigration Service permission, a student may work as an employee up to 15 hours a week.

Also, students may apply for work permits for up to two years in fields relevant to newly completed qualifications, Ms O'Sullivan said yesterday.

"But they can't operate their own businesses."

The writer said the people behind the named ventures were avoiding compliance structures that lawful businesses must meet.

This amounted to unfair competition with their host city's businesses, the writer said.

"If they really want to do business, they should apply for a business visa."

Manawatu Chamber of Commerce president Paul O'Brien said his only comment was that "the rules are the rules".

An experienced professional in the immigration field said business activities by overseas students were not uncommon, ranging from social clubs and bars to immigration, travel and employment consultancies. In one case, he said, Asian students even set up their own flying school.

He said the target markets were mostly other overseas students.

- NZPA