Despite New Zealand implementing sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine – the fishing industry continues to bring in Russian crews.
Figures from Immigration New Zealand show last year, 306 Critical Purpose visas were approved for Russian nationals who travelled here and identified as fishing crew.
One of the companies which employs them is Sealord. Its chief executive Doug Paulin said Sealord needed to employ Russians because one of its vessels was Russian built.
“New Zealand has had a number of Russian built fishing vessels here for well over 20 years. Sealord chief executive Doug Paulin.
Paulin said Sealord and the wider industry was confident the right checks and balances were in place.
Seafood New Zealand chief executive Jeremy Helson echoed those comments, saying many of the crew were from the Crimea Peninsula so have dual Russian and Ukrainian citizenship.
Minster of Immigration Michael Wood said New Zealand’s sanctions were focused on the Russian government and those connected with it, rather than everyday Russians.
