Ref: 2324-2027

 

Dear Mark Bialik

 

On behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment I
acknowledge your email of 18 March 2024 requesting under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:

 

‘Please specify what Third Party Checks are performed for the Parents
Residency Visa applications ?

Please list the organizations  that are considered "Third Parties".

Please confirm that applicants from all countries are undergoing similar
Third Party Checks.’

 

We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible, and no
later than 17 April 2024, being 20 working days after the day your request
was received. If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will
notify you of an extension of that timeframe.  If you have any enquiries
regarding your request feel free to contact us via email to
[1][MBIE request email].

 

Nâku noa, nâ

 

Ministerial Services

Corporate, Governance and Information  |   Ngâ Pou o te Taumaru

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

15 Stout Street, Wellington 6011 |  P O Box 1473 Wellington 6140

 

 

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[MBIE request email]

Dear Mark

Thank you for your below request.

Any visa application may undergo a third-party check and is not based on the category, unless specifically stated in the relevant immigration instructions. Third party checks are undertaken when INZ needs to contact external parties and when this term is used it is in reference to National Security Checks (NSC) referred to the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS); and New Zealand Police Certificates referred to New Zealand Police. Some staff may use the term 'third-party check' when verification of documents is required such as qualifications and work experience.

Immigration Instructions A5.1 requires that all visa applicants must be of good character, and not pose a potential security risk. If any person included in the application fails to meet the necessary character requirements and the character requirements are not waived, the application may be declined. Immigration instructions A5.5 and A5.10 confirms when character checks are required and who needs to provide Police Certificates.

Part of the character assessment for all visa applications can include a National Security Check (NSC). If it is determined that a NSC is required, then the relevant information is gathered and referred to the appropriate government agency, the New Zealand Security and Intelligence agency for processing and the time it takes to complete a national security check varies depending on the applicant and their circumstances. Information regarding the nationality of those who undergo third party checks is refused under section 6(a) of the Act, as the information the making available of the information would be likely to prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or the international relations of the Government of New Zealand.

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/ or freephone 0800 802 602.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, please contact [email address]

Regards
INZ OIAs

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Bialik <[FOI #26136 email]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 2:18 PM
To: *OIA <[email address]>
Subject: Official Information request - Details of the Third Party Checks

Dear Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment,

Please specify what Third Party Checks are performed for the Parents Residency Visa applications ?
Please list the organizations that are considered "Third Parties".
Please confirm that applicants from all countries are undergoing similar Third Party Checks.

Yours faithfully,
Mark Bialik

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