We are writing on behalf of the Iranian community of Auckland to raise concerns about some Iranians claiming refugee status in New Zealand.

As you know, to qualify for refugee status an Iranian has to have fled their homeland because they had concerns regarding their safety in the Islamic Republic of Iran. There are a number of individuals who have obtained New Zealand refugee status who not only freely travel to Iran, they also have good relationships with the embassy of Iran in Wellington. Some have even turned up to vote in the recent Iranian elections – someone concerned for their safety under the current regime would not act in this way, because voting for the regime is approving the current situation in Iran and approving the Islamic Regime and whatever they have done during the past 42 years.

Some of the individuals identified attending the elections their names will be submitted to New Zealand Immigration attached to this email. 

We are requesting Immigration New Zealand to investigate these individuals and revoke their refugee status and citizenship under S145(b)(i) of the Immigration Act (2009). These people attending the Iranian elections to vote for whom they claim to have run away from shows that their refugee status was obtained by false or misleading representation.

The attached number of signatures are from Iranian community members requesting New Zealand Immigration to investigate the named individuals. Their videos walking inside the voting centre for Islamic Republic of Iran are attached and also the screenshots can be seen below.

Thank you and kindest Regards.

Iranian Community of New Zealand.