Immigration counter closure warningRNZ Immigration officials are being warned there'll be more overstayers if the department doesn't reverse its decision to close public counters and make people apply for visas online. Immigration experts and the Pacific Island community leaders say the move is a blow for those who have English as a second language. There's a warning a decision by Immigration New Zealand to make people apply for visas online instead of in person could spark a rise in overstayers. While people could still apply for visas online or phone Immigration New Zealand's call centre, immigration experts and some community leaders fear the move will hit people who have English as a second language, it said. RNZ Immigration advisors and lawyers are skeptical the technology is in place to cope with proposed changes to New Zealand's overseas visa systems.

Source: Stuff November 06, 2017 20:26 UTC