Popular YouTuber Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, is under investigation in New Zealand for potentially breaching visa conditions. Speed, who boasts 33 million subscribers, has been touring the country, livestreaming his adventures for fans. However, his activities may have run afoul of local visa laws, raising questions about the regulations surrounding monetized content creation while on a visitor visa.
Livestreaming Sparks Controversy
IShowSpeed entered New Zealand under a visitor visa, which, according to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), does not permit work-related activities, including monetized livestreams. Richard Owen, INZ’s General Manager for Risk and Border, confirmed the violation could result in consequences. “A person cannot work in New Zealand while holding a visitor visa,” Owen explained.
Speed’s livestreams, which generate income, could be classified as work, a potential breach of his visa terms. Immigration adviser Ankur Sabharwal weighed in, noting that monetized streams fall under employment. “If they feel that he’s breaching his visa conditions by working in this country, they could simply serve him a deportation liability notice,” Sabharwal said.
iShowSpeed INVESTIGATED for possible visa breach by New Zealand Immigration. 😲‼️ pic.twitter.com/ClWK1KVXBK
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) November 26, 2024
Compliance and Potential Consequences
INZ has stated it will follow its standard compliance procedures to assess the situation. These involve determin ing the severity of the alleged breach and deciding on appropriate actions, such as further investigation or issuing a deportation liability notice. However, a deportation notice doesn’t result in immediate removal. If issued, IShowSpeed would retain appeal rights and could challenge the decision.
Sabharwal clarified that INZ is not required to provide definitive proof of wrongdoing to serve a notice. The process could involve discussions with Speed’s legal team to resolve the issue.
IShowSpeed was on the national news in New Zealand 😭pic.twitter.com/drh0I1D6tZ
— IShowSpeed Reports (@IShowReports) November 25, 2024
Fortunately for the YouTuber, his stay in New Zealand was already nearing its end. IShowSpeed is scheduled to leave the country on November 27, potentially avoiding immediate repercussions. Still, this incident highlights the importance of securing the proper visa for content creators traveling internationally.
Speed’s case serves as a cautionary tale for other globetrotting influencers. As digital content becomes increasingly monetized, creators must be mindful of visa requirements and the legal implications of their activities abroad.
While INZ has not yet confirmed whether IShowSpeed will face formal action, the incident underscores the complexities of navigating immigration laws in the age of livestreaming and global audiences. This investigation may pave the way for clearer guidelines regarding digital work and visa compliance.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I’m Shivam Kumar. I’m pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day….
