Proposed Immigration Act changes unjust, say critics

Critics of proposals for an improved Immigration Act say some of the suggestions are contrary to natural justice and open to abuse.

The comments came at a Department of Labour-run meeting in Auckland last night, part of a nationwide push this month for public submissions on the Immigration Act review.

The Government wants to modernise and simplify the legislation to establish a fair and fast decision-making process to protect New Zealand's interests.

But several suggested changes came under attack, including one that classified information could be used in immigration decision-making.

"The proposal totally infringes on natural justice," said Dr Jane Verbitsky, a social sciences professor at Auckland University of Technology.

Would-be migrants would not be shown the classified information and would not be able to respond to it.

Professor Verbitsky further criticised the proposal under which the residency applicant would be given a special counsel only upon an appeal.

"But the special counsel can't tell the applicant what the classified information is, so how can they make a case for appeal?"

Immigration lawyer Ken Oh was concerned at the proposal to grant immigration officers the powers of search and entry.

"These powers could be abused by immigration officers."

Department officials told people at the meeting that policy details were yet to be worked out but assured them that safeguards would be put in place to ensure that the provisions of the Bill of Rights were upheld.

The officials urged the public to make submissions before June 14.

The next meeting will be from 9.30am to 12.30pm today at the Heritage Hotel in Auckland.