A Chinese man caught working illegally at an Auckland construction site escaped from police custody last night, hours before his controversial deportation.
Ten Chinese men are set to be deported for working illegally at Auckland construction sites (file photo).
Photo: 123rf
Two of the 10 illegal Chinese construction workers awaiting deportation were being taken to the airport last night when one escaped, said deputy head of Immigration NZ Stephen Vaughan.
The man gave himself up and arrangements are being made to deport him again. One individual was deported last night as planned, Vaughan said.
The other men are being held in Mt Eden Prison until dates are set for their flights out of the country.
Illegal Chinese workers face retribution back in China - lawyer
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Illegal Chinese worker escaped police custody on way to Auckland airport
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Minister of Immigration Kris Faafoi.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Two of the 10 men - who officials say were working illegally at construction sites in Auckland - are due to be deported at 11pm tonight - and some others in the next week, according to their lawyer.
Green MP Ricardo Menendez-March, who was among a delegation to visit the men today, wants the deportations paused to allow an investigation into claims of migrant exploitation and human trafficking.
But Faafoi said he had been assured the proper processes were followed and Immigration had not found any evidence of trafficking.
In a statement, Faafoi said: We have been assured that the appropriate processes have been followed and Immigration NZ has not found any evidence of trafficking. Agencies are satisfied further investigations around employment and immigration breaches can be carried out without the need for the men to remain in New Zealand .