Immigration New Zealand says an estimated 17,000 Fijians overstayed in New Zealand in the last 16 years however the number of people who have returned to the country or have been deported is not known.
Figures by Immigration New Zealand reveal that 17,404 Fijians overstayed in New Zealand from July 2000 to December last year.
According to Immigration New Zealand, about 917 Fijians overstayed in the country last year.
Pacific Islanders top the list of overstayers in New Zealand with Tongans and Samoans dominating the statistics.
About 3,977 Samoans overstayed in New Zealand last year compared to 4,813 Tongans.
Immigration New Zealand says they are fully aware when someone has not departed before their visa has expired.
Overstayers face deportation and also a ban of up to five years from applying to go to New Zealand again.
It says many people who are in New Zealand unlawfully can end up being exploited by unscrupulous employers and many create a significant financial stress for family attempting to house and support them.
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