Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is attempting to locate a group of Indian performers who entered the country for a Holi event but did not depart after their visas expired, according to a report by the NZ Herald.
Visa director Jock Gilray said 18 performers arrived in New Zealand for the event, but only three have left the country so far. Among the remaining individuals, only four currently hold valid visitor visas, while the others had visas that expired on March 6.
“We are prioritising contact with those who are here unlawfully on a case-by-case basis,” Gilray told the Herald, declining to share further details about the performers.
According to the report, 27 visa applications were initially submitted by Indian nationals as part of a group called “Community Holi Celebration with Shibani Kashyap.” The group performed at the Colours in the Park event held in Pukekohe last month.
Gilray said Immigration New Zealand verified that the event was legitimate and even consulted the Indian Consul-General in Auckland, who confirmed support for the programme.
Out of the applications:
- Seven visitor visas were approved, each valid for one month.
- Four applications were rejected due to concerns, including fraudulent documents.
- Three applications were withdrawn after issues were raised.
- Thirteen short-term limited visas were granted specifically to allow attendance at the event while reducing immigration risks.
Of the 20 applicants whose visas were approved, 18 travelled to New Zealand between February 11 and February 24.
Gilray said one visa holder did not travel, while another was prevented from leaving for New Zealand after additional concerns were identified.
Immigration New Zealand said it has been in contact with the Indian High Commission regarding the situation and is focusing on locating individuals who may now be in the country unlawfully.
Indian singer Shibani Kashyap, associated with the event, had previously visited New Zealand last year and performed at Independence Day celebrations organised by the Delhi-based CD Foundation.
