Airline Fined $11,475 for Breaking Immigration Law in New Zealand

You know what's laughable? Air Asia X getting fined for failing to follow INZ's clear instructions. Yes, they were slapped with a $11,475 fine plus court costs, according to this immigration news NZ, for allowing a passenger to board a flight to New Zealand despite being explicitly told by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) not to. This happened back in May 2023, but the judgment was handed down on 4th June 2024 by the Manukau District Court.

The airline was told by INZ that this Malaysian passport holder shouldn't be on that flight from Sydney. There were clear red flags about his dodgy immigration history in Australia and doubts about his genuine visitor intentions to New Zealand. Yet, the ground handling agent at Air Asia X, despite being aware of these instructions, let him board anyway. When he landed, INZ officers promptly sent him packing back home.

It's not the first time Air Asia X has slipped up either. They’ve racked up over 100 infringement notices and had a similar conviction in 2018. So, this isn’t just a one-off; it’s a pattern of behaviour. INZ warned that breaches like these are taken seriously and can lead to fines or prosecution.

But here's the kicker: Air Asia X doesn’t even fly to New Zealand anymore. Perhaps they realised following basic legal requirements was too much effort.

In a world where border security is paramount, it's astounding that an airline could be so lax. This fine should serve as a wake-up call to all carriers about the critical role they play in maintaining the integrity of our borders. Let's hope they finally get the message.

And that's the immigration news we have for you today. Do subscribe and follow for more New Zealand immigration updates. Ka Kite Ano.