The lawyer representing a group of Chinese men being deported says China's human rights record needs to be considered before they're sent home.
Ten men were caught illegally working at an Auckland construction site last month.
While two were being deported on Thursday, one escaped on the way to Auckland Airport, but he later surrendered.
Immigration lawyer Matt Robson represents nine of the men, and said officials need to ask about the potential for retribution in China.
"He's absconded so that shows some desperation. He's gone to people he knows in Auckland who got him to come back.
"Him and anybody else are people that both the Department of Labour who've been trying to interview him as well but have been obstructed by Immigration New Zealand - these are the sorts of questions to ask to get to the bottom of this case and the others."
Robson said he was unable to speak to his client yesterday, which is part of his ongoing difficulties with Immigration NZ.
He maintains that the men are victims of human trafficking, but Immigration NZ said it has found no evidence of this and Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi has also said he has been assured the proper processes were followed.
Immigration NZ said arrangements are being made to deport the man who escaped.
The other men are being held in Mt Eden Prison until dates are set for their flights out of the country.
RNZ
