14 Oct 2005

Seven New Zealanders deported from French Polynesia for working illegally

3:17 pm on 14 October 2005

France has announced that it has deported seven New Zealanders from French Polynesia for working illegally.

In a statement, the high commission in Papeete says a border police investigation showed that a Frenchman had hired the New Zealanders who arrived in Tahiti as tourists.

The probe showed that they worked on construction sites which over time employed a total of 15 New Zealanders.

While the seven workers have been deported, the employer could face up to three years in jail.