Charanjit Singh has admitted his guilt in Manukau District Court, acknowledging two representative charges under the Immigration Act 2009. Following an investigation conducted by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), it was revealed that Singh had presented fraudulent information regarding his identity in order to secure multiple New Zealand visas, including one for New Zealand residence.
Singh had previously remained in New Zealand after his visa had expired, thereby violating immigration regulations. Upon returning to India, he acquired a passport with a different name and date of birth. Under this falsified identity, he subsequently applied to INZ for a visa to re-enter New Zealand. By submitting his application under this fraudulent persona, Singh concealed his unfavorable immigration history, thereby deceiving INZ into granting him a visa.
Upon his return to New Zealand, Singh continued to submit additional visa applications, consistently providing false details about his true identity. Eventually, he was granted New Zealand residence status.
Stephanie Greathead, Immigration National Manager Investigations, emphasized that the defendant intentionally misled INZ by withholding essential information regarding his actual identity. She stated, “Every person who applies for a visa has an obligation to tell the truth. Anyone found to have knowingly provided false or misleading information, or deliberately withheld relevant information can be prosecuted under the Act.”
Now that Singh has been convicted, authorities will commence the evaluation of potential deportation proceedings.