Eleven Indian nationals are believed to be in New Zealand unlawfully after entering the country on special visas to perform at a Holi festival in Auckland earlier this year.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) confirmed to Stuff that of the 18 people who arrived for the festival alongside Bollywood singer Shibani Kashyap on 21 February, only three had returned to India.

Of the remaining 15, four held valid visitor visas, while the other 11 had short-term limited visas issued specifically for the festival, which expired on 6 March.

The festival, held at the Pukekohe Indian Association Centre, was partly organised by the Indian Consulate in Auckland, which acted as the official point of contact for the performers.

INZ’s director of visas, Jock Gilray, told Stuff the department was prioritising contact with those who were in the country unlawfully.

“We are approaching each case on an individual basis,” he told reporters, while noting privacy considerations prevented further detail.

Gilray confirmed to local media that fraudulent documents were submitted for some visa applications. This led to 13 short-term limited visas being approved instead of standard visitor visas, a measure intended to mitigate concerns. Four applications were declined and three were withdrawn.

“INZ verified that the event was genuine, including consultation with the Indian Consul General in Auckland, who confirmed support for the festival,” Gilray said.

“A robust assessment process was applied to the individuals, including collaboration with our risk and verification teams in India.”

INZ is now tasked with locating the 11 performers whose visas have expired and ensuring compliance with immigration law.

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