Malaysia Airlines in hot water over immigration

Published: 10/05/07

A New Zealand court has found Malaysia Airlines guilty and convicted the carrier of failing to vet passengers flying to New Zealand, and allowing undesirable and illegal passengers to arrive in the country on its aeroplanes.

Under the Immigration act of New Zealand, it is incumbent upon the airlines to ensure that all passengers that they allow onto their planes meet the visa requirements for access to New Zealand.

Malaysia Airlines, which offers flights to Auckland from Kuala Lumpur, has been convicted of a single count of allowing a passenger to board a flight without the proper documentation. No fine has been imposed, although the airline will face a substantial penalty if the same offence is committed again.

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