- Posted November 25, 2021
- Media Releases
The following can be attributed to a NZSIS spokesperson:
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) welcomes the review by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security of the visa screening programme.
Under the Intelligence and Security Act 2017, the NZSIS provides advice about national security risks, which includes assisting Immigration New Zealand (INZ) with the screening of visa applications.
The Inspector-General’s report notes the NZSIS, along with INZ, has already undertaken its own review of the national security screening process, including processes for screening visa applications.
The Inspector-General also acknowledges the NZSIS staff spoken to are “dedicated, insightful and aware of the national security screening system in general and visa screening in particular”.
The NZSIS accepts all the recommendations of the Inspector-General’s report, with remedial work already well progressed.
The insights provided by the Inspector-General’s review help further improve the visa screening policy and procedures, and we will keep the Inspector-General updated on our progress.
Providing national security advice to decision makers at INZ is an important part of NZSIS functions.
It is vital that we have the right policies and procedures in place to ensure New Zealand is protected from those who may have, for example, links to international extremist groups, espionage activities or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction technology.