KEY POINTS:
Immigration Minister David Cunliffe has decided the family of Ahmed Zaoui cannot come to New Zealand while the Algerian refugee's security risk certificate review is being determined.
"As Mr Zaoui's own status in New Zealand is yet to be determined, I have decided that it is not appropriate that his family should be allowed to come here," Mr Cunliffe said.
"I have made this decision without prejudice to any final decision on Mr Zaoui or his family. I can make no further comment on this matter."
Mr Zaoui has been struggling to stay in New Zealand since he arrived in December 2002 and sought refugee status.
His lawyers lodged an appeal with Mr Cunliffe before Christmas to allow his wife and four children to come here.
The Greens backed that call saying delays in the case were unreasonable and should not be allowed to keep the family apart, but New Zealand First opposed the move.
The Department of Labour prepared advice for Mr Cunliffe before he made the decision.
The Zaoui family are in South East Asia.
NZ First's immigration spokesman, Peter Brown, said he was pleased Mr Cunliffe had put an end to the "farcical plea" from Mr Zaoui's family.
"It is totally inappropriate that Mr Zaoui's family be brought to New Zealand," Mr Brown said.
"The consideration of the appeal lodged by Zaoui's lawyers was a complete waste of time. Zaoui could see his wife and children tomorrow if he would but get on a plane."
But Green MP Keith Locke said it was a heartless decision.
"It makes Mr Zaoui's poor wife and family suffer for the interminable delays of Mr Cunliffe's own government," he told NZPA.
"Mr Cunliffe has a duty to explain this ... he hasn't provided a single reason for turning down the family's request other than saying Mr Zaoui's status is yet to be determined -- which everyone knew in the first place."
Mr Zaoui has been struggling to stay in New Zealand since he arrived in December 2002 and sought refugee status.
His lawyers lodged an appeal with Mr Cunliffe before Christmas to allow his family to come here.
Mr Zaoui's wife and children are in South East Asia.
Mr Brown and Mr Locke did agree on one thing -- they both said the case had gone on for far too long.
"Zaoui and his lawyers have already cost the New Zealand taxpayer over $2 million with this ongoing saga which could have and should have been plugged years ago, had Mr Zaoui exercised his right to leave this country," Mr Brown said.
Mr Locke blamed the Government for failing to get its act together and give Mr Zaoui a fair hearing.
- NZPA
