Immigration scams still prevalent – beware.

Steve Baker • May 9, 2024

Recent Immigration Scams

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) have intercepted 25 Bangladeshi individuals attempting to enter New Zealand without the required visas.

The men were travelling from Kuala Lumpur with electronic travel authorities enabling a stopover in New Zealand.


Inquiries by INZ’s Airline Liaison Officer based in Kuala Lumpur, working with airline staff, confirmed the travellers’ true intent was not to join a cruise or transit to Australia, but to enter New Zealand.

Preliminary inquiries indicate the group may have been misled by an unknown agent into believing they had valid work visas for New Zealand. INZ is pursuing leads to identify those behind the scam, but locating those involved in situations like this may be challenging.


The NZeTAs for all 25 individuals have been cancelled, and border alerts have been placed on the individuals for stricter scrutiny of any future travel attempts.


If you require Immigration assistance, please contact Steve Baker for complimentary and obligation free advice. 

 

Steve Baker
General Manager
Licensed Immigration Advisor 201801044
P: 03 353 0680
M: 027 212 5483



Person’s hand in a green sleeve holding a thin white rope against a gray background

Extend Your Stay in New Zealand

By Steve Baker • November 2, 2026
Explore visa options for AEWV holders approaching their Maximum Continuous Stay in NZ, including residence pathways, partnership visas and planning ahead.
Silhouetted hikers under a starry blue sky with the words “MINDS MADE FOR MORE” across the bottom.

Study in New Zealand

By Steve Baker • October 8, 2026
Why choose New Zealand? Because an education here is shaped by more than what happens in the classroom. Here, New Zealand itself is part of the education.
Two professionals reviewing documents together outdoors, one pointing at papers on a table.

Second or Subsequent Resident Visa (SSRV)

By Steve Baker • October 7, 2026
Lost your New Zealand residence visa? Learn how the Second or Subsequent Resident Visa (SSRV) works, including eligibility, family members and key requirements.
Calculator and pen on paperwork on a desk

New SMC Wage Threshold Tool

By Steve Baker • September 24, 2026
Use this tool to find out what Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) wage threshold applies to you.
Two hands gently resting on a person's shoulder, suggesting comfort and support

Parent Resident Visa

By Steve Baker • September 22, 2026
Parents who want to migrate permanently and whose adult child(ren) meet the sponsorship requirements have a few visa options.
Person studying with open books and laptop on a bed, writing on papers with a pen.

Short-Term Graduate Work Visa

By Steve Baker • September 16, 2026
Eligible international graduates who have completed their studies or are currently studying in New Zealand will have new visas to apply for.
Orange road sign with left-right arrows on a post beside a rural field and gravel road under a cloudy sky

Compare Skilled Residence Pathways

By Steve Baker • September 14, 2026
There are different pathways that can lead to a NZ skilled residence visa. Check which pathway relates to you, as each pathway has its own set of requirements.
Man in a gray suit reviews papers at a cluttered office desk with lamps and a bulletin board behind him

Immigration New Zealand Investigates

By Steve Baker • September 2, 2026
The impact of this type of offending can be devastating. People can spend years saving for these opportunities and make major life decisions based on false promises.
Hand holding colorful autumn leaves over a calm lake with mountains and blue sky in the background

Change is the Only Constant

By Steve Baker • August 9, 2026
MC from 24th August 2026 – Two weeks away. Parent Resident Visa Category 5th October 2026 – Eight weeks away.
Hands writing notes in a small spiral notebook on a white desk with open planners and papers.

From August 24th - SMC Pathways

By Steve Baker • July 27, 2026
From 24 August 2026, the SMC offers three ways to qualify. None replaces the others, and you only need to meet the requirements of the one pathway you apply to.