Confidential immigration advice key to supporting visa overstayers in New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) estimates around 20,980 people are currently unlawfully in the country. The figure reflects a new methodology that improves accuracy and transparency in measuring visa overstayers. While it still represents a small proportion of the millions of arrivals each year, the number underscores the importance of swift action for anyone whose visa has expired or is close to expiring.

The new data also sheds light on who is most affected. Visitor visas make up the majority of overstays, with key nationalities including Tonga, China, the United States, Samoa and India. Overstaying can affect all age groups, but adults aged 20 to 64 form the largest cohort. These figures show how common and how risky becoming unlawful can be without the right advice.

The reality of overstaying in New Zealand

People who overstay their visas often live with constant fear of being detected. They may avoid essential services such as healthcare or reporting crimes to Police, and many end up in cash-in-hand jobs that leave them open to exploitation. Deportation and future travel bans are serious risks, particularly if individuals disengage from INZ or ignore correspondence.

The recent deportation data shows 1,259 people were deported, self-deported or voluntarily departed New Zealand in the 2024–25 financial year up by more than 350 on the previous year. INZ continues to prioritise enforcement against those posing the highest risks, but anyone unlawfully in New Zealand can be made liable for deportation.

Why people become unlawful

Many overstayers began with lawful visas but became unlawful through bad advice, misleading advisers, or simply missing deadlines. Some have only recently become unlawful and may still have options to regularise their status. Others have lived in New Zealand for years, built lives and families here, and now face the distressing prospect of being forced to return to countries they no longer call home, losing everything they have built in New Zealand.

The importance of early, confidential advice

Taking action early can help identify legal pathways to remain in New Zealand, prevent deportation and reduce the risk of long-term bans on re-entry. People who overstay are encouraged to engage with immigration professionals rather than avoid contact.

Many people in this situation are too afraid to contact Immigration New Zealand directly for fear of compliance action. Speaking with an impartial adviser can provide clarity and options without risking immediate enforcement.

Absolute Immigration NZ understands how stressful and isolating this situation can be. We provide confidential, professional advice to assess your options honestly, whether you have only recently become unlawful or have been in this position for many years.

How Absolute Immigration NZ can help

Our New Zealand team offers discreet, non-judgemental consultations for anyone worried about their visa status. We work to:

• Assess whether you may qualify for another visa
• Support voluntary departure options if no visa pathway exists
• Reduce future immigration risks with clear, strategic advice
• Provide realistic guidance on your prospects of remaining in New Zealand
• Give honest and impartial assessments, including when remaining in New Zealand may not be possible

We know every case has a backstory, and we treat each with care, professionalism and urgency. Our goal is to give you the clearest possible pathway forward, whether that means correcting your status or planning your next steps safely.

Get in touch

Overstayed your visa or at risk? Contact our NZ team for a confidential consultation at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com