Visa Fraud: Indian-Origin Man Dupes New Zealand System
An Indian-origin man has been sentenced for masterminding a large-scale immigration fraud that exploited New Zealand’s visa system by creating fake employment records for foreign nationals seeking residency.
Umesh Patel, 59, was handed nine months of home detention and six months of post-detention supervision after pleading guilty to multiple counts of providing false information to Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
According to the investigation, Patel charged applicants between NZD 10,000 and 30,000 (approximately ₹5 lakh–₹15 lakh) to help them secure work or residence visas. He fabricated job offers and falsified payroll data by cycling the applicants’ own money through company accounts as “wages,” creating the illusion of legitimate employment.
Authorities revealed that Patel used several companies—some previously genuine businesses—to process fake job applications and tax records. He also listed individuals with residence status as company directors to disguise his involvement and give his operations a sense of legitimacy.
INZ described the fraud as a “calculated and exploitative scheme” that undermined public trust in New Zealand’s immigration system. Officials confirmed that further reviews are underway to assess the immigration status of individuals who benefited from Patel’s services.
The case highlights growing concerns about immigration fraud and the misuse of work visa programs. Authorities reiterated their commitment to strengthening verification processes and prosecuting those who attempt to exploit the system for profit.
Patel’s sentencing marks one of the most high-profile visa fraud convictions in recent years, underscoring New Zealand’s zero-tolerance stance on immigration-related crimes.