Immigration Ministry Completes Investigation Into Alleged Border “Sick-Out”

The Ministry of Immigration says it has concluded its investigation into a group of staff calling in sick all on the same days during the Easter period at the western border.

“We have addressed that. We have completed our investigation. There was, as we expected, no evidence of a coordinated sick-out,” Immigration Ministry CEO Tanya Santos told News 5 today.

However, she added that the review did uncover several areas of complaint and dissatisfaction among staff, which were formally documented and communicated. Those who had engaged attorneys were also advised on the proper process for filing grievances.

However, Santos said the probe surfaced something more troubling alongside the labour complaints. “There are also reports during that investigation of some level of corruption happening there at the western border overall,” she said.

Santos did not elaborate on the nature of the alleged corruption or whether any individuals have been identified.