Revocation of NZ citizenship - Akeel Hassan Abbas Al Baiiaty

18/11/2004

Akeel Hassan Abbas Al Baiiaty had his New Zealand citizenship revoked on 3 October 2004. This was a result of the Department of Internal Affairs swiftly commencing deprivation proceedings earlier this year as soon as it became aware of the situation regarding Mr Baiiaty.

Mr Baiiaty applied for New Zealand citizenship in February 1997. He received the grant of New Zealand citizenship later that year. He committed one serious criminal offence in the period between his being approved for the grant of citizenship and the conferring of citizenship at a ceremony.

At no time did Mr Baiiaty declare to the Department that he was facing criminal charges even though he was legally required to. He therefore provided the Department of Internal Affairs with a false declaration.

Had the Department been aware of Mr Baiiaty’s change of circumstances, immediate action to initiate deprivation proceedings would have occurred.

The Department says that while such cases are extremely rare it is examining its vetting procedures around applications for the grant of citizenship. New Zealand welcomes thousands of new citizens each year. In the year ending 30 June 2004 21,072 applications for a grant of citizenship were recommended for approval.

Contact:
Tony Wallace
Media and Communications Adviser
Identity Services, Department of Internal Affairs

Phone: 382 3437 (direct dial)
Mobile: 0274 402 667