Immigration weighs up action over YouTube sensation IShowSpeed

Immigration New Zealand says it will contact American YouTuber IShowSpeed to make sure he understands the conditions of his visa.

The social media influencer, whose real name is Darren Watkins Junior, was making videos for his 33 million subscribers while he toured the country.

But his tour of New Zealand may have left him in hot water, having arrived in this country as a visa-waiver traveller.

Travellers are not legally allowed to work on a visitor visa or NZeTA, the online permit travellers get if they come from a visa waiver country, such as the US. Overseas visitors making money on their travels would usually need a work visa, but Watkins did not have one.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) said it would be in touch with him, but suggested it would likely not be taking further action.

"We are currently considering whether any action will be taken in this particular case, however we will be reaching out to Mr Watkins to ensure he understands the conditions of his current visa," INZ general manager immigration risk and border Richard Owen said.

"In general, our approach to compliance action is tailored based on the individual circumstances of the case, taking into consideration the severity of the case. Cases where there is a higher risk of immigration harm are prioritised."

INZ said it looked at potential visa breaches by social media influencers on a case-by-case basis.

Watkins - who has courted controversy and been banned from various platforms for misogynist and derogatory comments - was chased down streets and mobbed by fans in New Zealand during his tour of Australasia.

The influencer's visits included Rotorua and Auckland, where he put his rugby league skills to the test at a Warriors training session and took on Kiwi lightweight 'Dan the Hangman' Hooker in a sparring session.

Some work seems to fall into a grey area for travellers, ranging from people who write reviews, work remotely for an overseas company or do a bit of work while they are on holiday.

But as someone who makes money from his videos, Watkins would appear to have been working when he was in New Zealand in the same way as a musician or comedian is while on tour.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) also issued guidance to staff earlier this year about remote working, saying such activities are work - irrespective of whether a New Zealand or overseas company is providing the

payment or benefit - and need a work visa.

It could not say how many people were in a similar situation to Watkins.