Data released by Inland Revenue has revealed overseas-based student loan borrowers owe the Government more than $3.4 billion.
There are more than 100,000 people with student loans living overseas and 72,000 of them have not met their repayment obligations.
As one in-default borrower who was arrested trying to leave the country found out, they're liable for a fine, or even imprisonment.
Earlier, Kim Savage spoke with RNZ reporter Susan Strongman, who's been following the story.
