INZ launches probe after several visitors from Shibani Kashyap's Holi group become overstayers
The group had travelled from India to perform at Holi events around the country.
The agency says only four of those still in the country currently hold valid visitor visas.
Fifteen of the 18 Indian performers who arrived in New Zealand with Bollywood singer Shibani Kashyap for Holi celebrations last month are still in the country, with several now believed to be here unlawfully after their visas expired, according to Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
INZ's Director Visa Jock Gilray told Awaaz three members of the group have already departed New Zealand, while the remaining 15 are still in the country. Most of the overstayers were on limited-purpose visas that can't be extended once onshore.
"Of the 18 individuals who arrived in New Zealand, three have left the country. Fifteen are still in New Zealand," Gilray said. The agency confirmed that only four of those still in the country currently hold valid visitor visas.
"We are prioritising contact with those who are here unlawfully on a case-by-case basis," the spokesperson said.
Officials declined to provide further details about the individuals involved, citing privacy considerations. "For privacy reasons we are not able to go into any further detail."
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The group had travelled from India to perform at Holi events around the country, one of which was held in Pukekoke in February. Shibani Kashyap visited New Zealand last year too, and participated at Independence Day events organised by Delhi-based CD Foundation. INZ has confirmed all visitors from that group returned per their visa conditions.
However, immigration officials have now begun searching for several members after their visas expired and they failed to depart as expected.
Earlier, Gilray said INZ had assessed applications for 27 Indian nationals who were scheduled to come with Kashyap, but seven of the applications were declined over reasons including fraudulent documents.
The situation has raised questions about whether the performers intended to remain in the country beyond their authorised stay, although immigration authorities have not publicly commented on the circumstances surrounding their arrival.
INZ has said it is working to establish contact with those whose visas have expired and will determine next steps individually.
Under New Zealand immigration law, people who remain in the country after their visas expire become unlawful and may face deportation if they do not regularise their status or leave the country voluntarily.
