5737 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister of Immigration

5737 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister of Immigration: Does Immigration New Zealand or partner agencies proactively check on the welfare of youth and children working in New Zealand under the Entertainers Work Visa, and if not, how can the Minister be sure that the Zirka Circus incident is an isolated incident?

Hon Erica Stanford: I am advised that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) applies a high level of scrutiny when assessing work visa applications for minors. Where appropriate, this includes checks that children are being educated, cared for, and living in an environment of acceptable standards. If any adverse information were identified, either during the assessment or through a complaint, INZ would work with the Labour Inspectorate and other Child Welfare and Protection Agencies to investigate the concerns.