Overstayer Numbers in New Zealand. Why We Need Perspective, Not Panic
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has today released its updated estimate of the number of people currently in New Zealand who have overstayed their visa.
The figure sits at 20,980 people as of 1 July 2025. On its own, that number may sound large, but put into context it is around 0.4% of New Zealand’s population. That’s less than half a percent.
This is the first estimate produced using INZ’s newly adopted methodology, which is more accurate than previous years. The last time such a figure was released was in 2017, when the estimate was around 14,000. Because of the different way the data has been calculated, the two figures can’t be directly compared – though we know from decades of records that overstayer numbers in New Zealand have always sat in this general range.
The Global Climate of Fear
It’s important to pause here and acknowledge the wider climate we’re living in. Globally, immigration has become an easy political football. Beginning with the Trump administration in the US and now seen in our neighbours across the Tasman, xenophobia and fear-based politics are on the rise.
When a number like “20,980 overstayers” is released, it is almost inevitable that headlines and social media feeds will weaponise it to stir up division and resentment. It is easy to see how such reporting evokes anger, even though the numbers themselves are stable, longstanding, and proportionally tiny.
Who Are the “Overstayers”?
Another critical point: these figures are not just faceless numbers. Among the 20,980 are people in very different circumstances. Some have lived in New Zealand for decades, raising families, working, and contributing to their communities. Others have become unlawful through no fault of their own – perhaps through relationship breakdowns, ill health, or administrative delays.
Importantly, many of these people are actively taking steps to correct their situation. INZ’s own compliance team has early intervention systems, reaching out via text, email, and phone to help people resolve their visa status before things spiral.
INZ’s Stance
INZ has stressed that the number of overstayers is a very small proportion of the millions of visa applications, electronic travel authority requests, and arrivals processed each year. Out of 3.6 million non-New Zealand citizen arrivals annually, the vast majority comply with their visa conditions and leave on time.
Steve Watson, General Manager of Immigration Compliance and Investigations, put it clearly:
“While the vast majority of people comply with their visa conditions and leave before the expiry of their visa, unfortunately some people do not leave and consequently remain in New Zealand unlawfully.”
In the 2024/25 financial year, 1,259 people either self-deported, were deported, or voluntarily departed. Priority is placed on deporting those who pose a genuine threat to New Zealand’s security or are involved in criminal activity.
Why We Must Be Careful With This Conversation
The reality is this: overstayers have always been part of New Zealand’s immigration landscape. The numbers have remained steady for decades. This is not a sudden crisis.
Yes, immigration compliance matters. Yes, INZ must and does take its role seriously. But as a country, we must resist the urge to turn these figures into fuel for xenophobia or discrimination.
Behind every “overstayer” is a human being with a story. Many are elderly, vulnerable, or caught in circumstances beyond their control. Demonising them achieves nothing – finding fair, humane solutions does.
Final Thought
New Zealand has always prided itself on fairness, compassion, and pragmatism. As we digest this latest release from INZ, let’s remember those values. Numbers should inform good policy, not drive fear.