Immigration Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman has ruled out holding an amnesty for the more than 15,000 overstayers estimated to be living in New Zealand.
He said an amnesty for overstayers "sends a signal that this is a legitimate path to New Zealand residence, and that is not the case".
The Government favoured a preventive measure to decrease the number of overstayers, he said.
"The Government's position is that it is important for people to remain in New Zealand legally and if people are concerned over their immigration status, they should come forward and work with immigration authorities."
Immigration New Zealand last held an amnesty between October 1, 2000 and March 30, 2001, and an estimated 5300 people were granted residence by April 2001.
A spokesman from the Department of Labour, which oversees Immigration New Zealand, said people who were in New Zealand unlawfully should either approach "immigration authorities, if they think they may be entitled to stay in New Zealand, or make arrangements to leave New Zealand immediately".
Last year, the department held education clinics in Auckland and Hawkes Bay, where the immigration status of illegal migrants was reassessed.
"These were opportunities for people to come forward in a safe environment, accompanied by trusted members of the community, to have their situations discussed and advice given.
"Immigration New Zealand officials provided honest appraisals of their particular situations."
The department had no policy on overstayers, he said.
