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Has the Government sought or received any assurances from the United States Government that New Zealand citizens with valid immigration documentation — including green cards and work permits — will not be subjected to arbitrary or prolonged detention without being informed of the grounds for their detention?

Answered Question 18003 (2026)
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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • Has the Government sought or received any assurances from the United States Government that New Zealand citizens with valid immigration documentation — including green cards and work permits — will not be subjected to arbitrary or prolonged detention without being informed of the grounds for their detention?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No. As is the case in New Zealand, operational immigration processes are the purview of the competent border authority of the country concerned. If a New Zealander was detained overseas without being informed of the grounds for their detention, New Zealand consular officials could seek to clarify the grounds for detention on behalf of the New Zealander, if consular assistance was requested.