New Zealand Immigration Minister Calls Indian Emails for Visa “Spam”

Erica Stanford’s controversial remarks in Parliament have sparked outrage and calls for a formal apology from the Indian community and immigrant advocates.

May 27, 2025: New Zealand Immigration Minister Under Fire for Describing Indian Emails as “Almost Akin to Spam”

New Zealand’s Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has ignited a storm of criticism after admitting she doesn’t respond to emails from individuals in India, calling them “almost akin to spam.” Her comments were made during a parliamentary session on May 6 as she defended her use of a personal Gmail account for ministerial correspondence.

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“I ensured everything was recorded and forwarded what was necessary to my parliamentary email address,” Stanford said. “For example, there are emails from individuals in India seeking immigration advice. I never respond to them. I consider them almost akin to spam — there are quite a few like that.”

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The remarks have been slammed as insensitive and discriminatory. Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan, herself of Indian origin, told The Indian Weekender, “Such comments reinforce negative stereotypes about an entire community. It’s completely unacceptable for a minister to single out a specific ethnic group in this way.”

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In the wake of the backlash, Stanford issued a clarification, saying, “I did not say that I consider them as spam. I only said that I consider them almost akin to spam.” However, this explanation has done little to quell the outrage.

Members of New Zealand’s Indian community and immigrant rights advocates have condemned the statement, arguing it reflects a worrying attitude towards one of the country’s largest migrant communities. Calls are growing for a formal apology and for the government to reaffirm its commitment to treating all communities with respect and fairness.

As the debate rages on, many are highlighting the need for better sensitivity and cultural awareness from public officials, particularly those in roles that directly impact immigrants.

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New Zealand, Erica Stanford, immigration, Indian community, racism, discrimination, Indian immigrants, New Zealand Parliament, international news