The New Zealand Immigration Department is looking for Indian artists who entered the country to participate in a Holi event but did not leave, after their visas expired, the NZ Herald reported. Visas director Jock Gillray said 18 people had entered the country for the event, but only three remained.
Out of 15, only four have valid visitor visas. Others received their visas until March 6. “We are prioritizing contact with those who are here illegally on a case-by-case basis,” Gillray told the Herald, declining to reveal any further details about the group of performers. The New Zealand Immigration Department had earlier received 27 visa applications from Indians as part of a group called Community Holi Celebration with Shibani Kashyap, the report said.
The band performed at the Colors in the Park concert in Pukekohe last month.“INZ verified the authenticity of the event, including consultation with the Indian Consul General in Auckland, who confirmed that they supported the event,” Gillray said, revealing that seven visitor visa applications had been approved for the group, each valid for one month.Four applications were rejected and three were withdrawn after concerns arose about some applications, including fraudulent documents.
Gilray said 13 limited short-term visas were granted specifically to attend the event, after officials decided this would mitigate identified risks.Of the 20 people whose applications were approved, 18 arrived between 11 and 24 February. Gillray said one visa holder had not yet travelled, while another was prevented from leaving for New Zealand after additional concerns emerged.The agency said it has been in contact with the Indian High Commission about the situation, and is prioritizing efforts to contact those who may now be in the country illegally on a case-by-case basis. Shibani Kashyap visited New Zealand last year and performed at Independence Day events organized by Delhi-based CD Foundation.