The Sikh Association says immigration scams within New Zealand's Indian community are common and are always highly organised.
Thirty-nine Indian pilgrims, who were meant to be en route to the World Youth Day in Sydney, are in hiding and hoping to make New Zealand their home, illegally.
It is understood some paid up to $NZ17,000 to a middleman in India, for what they thought would be visas to stay here.
Sikh Association spokesperson Verpal Singh says there is probably also a local contact getting a cut of the money.
He says the scammers cover their tracks well, and the contact will try and find work for the absconders.
The Sikh Society says it has received information from the Indian community that the men may be in Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay.
Immigration officials are liasing with the Indian high commissioner and networks within the Indian community in their efforts to the men.
New Zealand First says those sheltering the 39 Indians should be sent back to India.
