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As of 1 July 2025, INZ estimates that around 20,980 people have overstayed their visa. While this number is higher than the 2017 estimate of approximately 14,000, it’s important to note that the new methodology used in 2025 is far more accurate and should not be compared directly with past figures.
Visa Overstayers in New Zealand 2025: What You Need to Know
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released its latest estimate on visa overstayers, providing updated insights into the number of people currently in New Zealand without valid visas.
As of 1 July 2025, INZ estimates that around 20,980 people have overstayed their visa. While this number is higher than the 2017 estimate of approximately 14,000, it’s important to note that the new methodology used in 2025 is far more accurate and should not be compared directly with past figures.
A Small Proportion of Temporary Migrants Overstay
Every year, New Zealand welcomes:
1 million visa applications
1.6 million NZeTA requests
3.6 million arrivals from non-New Zealand citizens
The vast majority of visitors and migrants comply with their visa conditions, leaving on time. However, a small number remain in New Zealand unlawfully after their visa expires.
INZ’s Approach to Visa Overstayers
Immigration New Zealand takes a compliance-first, people-focused approach:
Proactively reminding visa holders of their obligations via texts, phone calls, and emails.
Providing education and support so migrants understand their rights and responsibilities.
Offering early intervention options, including voluntary departure, before deportation is considered.
If someone has overstayed, INZ carefully assesses all available options, including whether a person may qualify for another visa. Where this is not possible, individuals are encouraged to leave voluntarily.
Deportation and Compliance Trends
From 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, INZ recorded 1,259 departures of unlawful people (including deportations, voluntary exits, and self-departures) — an increase of 352 compared to the previous year.
INZ’s priority is clear:
Focus on individuals involved in criminal activity or who pose risks to national security.
Improve productivity and enforcement while ensuring fairness.
Increase transparency by publishing annual overstayer estimates.
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Just like other pseudo-elements and pseudo-class selectors, :not() can be chained with other pseudon classes and pseudo-elements. For example, the following will add a “New!” word to list items that do not have a .old class name, using the ::after pseudo-element:
