New information has spurred the Immigration Minister to reconsider his options when dealing with the controversial NZ residency given to a Czech drug smuggler.
Karel Sroubek, who goes by the name Jan Antolik, was jailed for five years and nine months after he was found guilty of importing nearly 5kgs of the drug MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, with a street value of $375,000.
The 37-year-old was subject for deportation after entering the country under a false identity, but has been granted residency.
Yesterday, Mr Lees-Galloway stood by his decision that he would make the same decision again based on the information he had.
"Decisions can be incredibly difficult, this was right up there, probably the most difficult decision I've had to make so far.
However, today Mr Lee-Galloway announced there was new information and would be looking at his option.
"Shortly before Question Time today I became aware that information may exist that directly, that appears on the face of it, to directly contradict information that I used and relied upon to make that decision," Mr Lees-Galloway said.
It came after National immigration spokesperson Michael Woodhouse asked: "Does he believe he has considered all relevant factors in deciding to grant residency to Karel Sroubek, also known as Jan Antolik?"
He says he’s taking advice on his options "and need to consider the veracity the new information that has been made available to me".
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