It has been reported by news.com.au that tens of thousands of Kiwis are migrating to Australia and the UK without paying for their education, leaving New Zealand with an $840 million deficit.
The Inland Revenue department has issued a media statement stating it’s “actively monitoring a group of borrowers in default,” who will be arrested at the border if they attempt to gain entry to or leave the country.
“Its high time borrowers in default meet their obligations, just like the vast majority of student loan borrowers,” said Inland Revenue Collections Manager Stuart Duff.
The average Kiwi migrant’s student debt is $28,000.
The Inland Revenue offers various repayment options and will put out warrants for what they consider to be the most serious debtors.
James Clark
