The New Zealand government is investigating YouTuber and online streamer IShowSpeed for streaming in the country without having a work visa. He has been travelling across the world since 2024 and his latest tour took him to Australia and New Zealand.
However, his New Zealand tour landed him in trouble after government officials found out that he didn’t have a legitimate visa to work in the country. Immigration official Richard Owen said the case was being assessed following standard compliance procedures.
IShowSpeed violated the law by allegedly monetizing the stream. From what it seems, he could land in trouble if he made money through this content. According to Owen’s statement to 1news,
“In general, individuals require a work visa (or hold a visa with conditions that allow for work) to engage in activities that result in gain or reward (such as payment) during their time in New Zealand.”
According to immigration officer Ankur Sabharwal from Visa Matters, IShowSpeed will need a work visa next time he travels to New Zealand. He also mentioned that the best way to know whether he earned monetary profits from the videos he filmed in New Zealand was to ask him directly.
However, it is still unsure what his fate regarding the current situation would be. Sabharwal added that if Immigration New Zealand (INZ) finds out that the YouTuber has breached his visa conditions by working in the country on a visitor visa, then he will be served a deportation liability notice. He reportedly said,
“I don't know whether INZ would do that, or they've done that, but INZ is actually not required to prove anything here.”
Sabharwal mentioned it was up to INZ whether they want to investigate IShowSpeed’s case further or not
Sabharwal explained that when someone breaches visa conditions, INZ can investigate further or issue a deportation liability notice. According to Community Law, this notice initiates the deportation process but does not result in immediate deportation.
Individuals have appeal rights based on their visa type and the reasons for deportation, which must be exhausted before INZ can issue a deportation order. Even after the order is made, there is an option to request its cancellation, as INZ holds the authority to revoke it.
As per reports, the streamer is expected to leave New Zealand on November 27, 2024. IShowSpeed’s assistant Slipz shared a post on X claiming that the streamer was alright as he did not breach his visa conditions. The post read,
“Yea lol he's fine he hasn't stepped outside of the bounds of his visa compliance, has not been paid by a NZ entity or company.”
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Earlier this week, IShowSpeed attracted hundreds of young fans at Auckland's Sky Tower. After exploring the city's views from the tower, crowds were seen chasing his van as he departed. The streamer was also seen getting in a cage with Dan Hooker in some of the viral clips.
Previously, IShowSpeed’s live streams showed him travel across places in Europe and Southeast Asia. He has around 33 million subscribers on the platform and his content is popular for his stunts and collaborations.
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