Immigration set for independent probe 

Immigration officials say an independent investigation will be launched after revelations that almost a third of the Pacific department at the Immigration Service have had cases of serious offences proved against them.

It follows revelations by ONE News that in a three-year period to 2004, 19 of the 60 people employed there had a raft of charges including theft, bribery and fraud.

Of those 19 cases, nine people were fired or resigned and three were referred to police.

Legal advisers say it is a cause for concern.

"I feel that the investigation needs to be external and independent of the department. These issues that've been raised we find that there've been internal investigations in sealed white envelopes that have very conveniently let people off the hook," says immigration lawyer Richard Small.

"I feel that it's time for some sunshine and some accountability".

Meanwhile, the Department of Labour says it will not wait for a review of the Pacific Division to finish before it makes changes.

Department chief executive Christopher Blake says the review of the division will be wide ranging and comprehensive and he says they will deal with any changes as the review progresses.

Blake says he expects the review will take around three months to complete.