Estimates of the number and characteristics of overstayers in New Zealand as at late July 2000. These estimates were based on the detailed analysis of a sample of around 1,800 people recorded as potential overstayers in the Department of Labour's computer system. People whose permits had been expired for less than three months were excluded for these estimates.

The first table below sets out a broad estimate of the number of overstayers, with estimates for the top nationalities separated out.

Estimated numbers of overstayers by nationality

Nationality	Estimated Number
Samoa	5,500
Tonga	5,000
Rest of World	3,200
Thailand	1,800
Great Britain	1,200
Fiji	900
China	600
Malaysia	500
India	500
Indonesia	300
USA	300
South Korea	300
Philippines	200
Japan	100
Germany	100
Canada	100
France	100
Total	20,700

The second table, below, sets out the estimates of the length of time the total number of overstayers have been in New Zealand since time of last arrival in New Zealand.

Estimated total number of overstayers by duration

Length of time since last arrival in New Zealand	Estimated number of overstayers
3 months to 18 months	3,000
18 months to 5 years	10,900
5 years and over	6,800
Total	20,700