AirAsia X has been fined $11,475 plus court costs after allowing a traveller to board a flight to New Zealand despite Immigration NZ notifying them the passenger was not allowed on the plane.
On arrival, the passenger - a Malaysian passport holder - was interviewed by immigration officers, refused entry and returned home.
The passenger was identified by a border immigration officer as being a risk due to his adverse immigration history in Australia. They were travelling to New Zealand via Sydney from Kuala Lumpur as a visa waiver visitor.
An immigration officer had doubts the passenger was a genuine visitor to New Zealand and wanted to speak to him before he got on the plane.
An investigation found AirAsia X had received notification from INZ that the man wasn't allowed to board the flight to NZ from Sydney and an immigration officer wanted to speak with him, and the airline directed its ground handling agent to intercept him.
The agent admitted boarding the passenger despite being aware of the instructions.
According to Immigration NZ, AirAsia X has been issued more than 100 infringement notices for breaches of its obligations under the Immigration Act.
Peter Elms, national manager border, said carriers play an important role to play in the security of New Zealand’s borders.
“Immigration New Zealand works closely with airlines to ensure they are aware of their obligations and are supported to meet them.
“Breaches of these obligations can mean people arrive in New Zealand who are not eligible to be here, and/or could pose a risk to New Zealand. INZ treats such breaches seriously and can commence enforcement action against a carrier such as infringement fines or prosecution when breaches occur,” Elms said.
SHARE ME