Half of the 39 Indians, who went "missing" from the New Zealand capital after arriving there on the ploy of attending a Catholic event in Sydney, have been traced.


Two others headed for home, after a two-week ordeal.


The Indians had claimed to be victims of an immigration scam and paid $17,000 (Rs 725,2200) each, for what they thought would be permanent residency when they arrived in New Zealand, disappeared last week.


This sent immigration officials into a tizzy.


About 220 Indians arrived in Auckland last week, bound for Sydney's World Youth Day celebrations to see the Pope, but the 39-strong group failed to turn up for their connecting flight on July 15.


About 20 members of the group have been located, officials said.


Sikh Society spokesman Daljit Singh said a couple of members of the group are leaving today as they now understand that they do not have residency and are departing before their visas expire on August 5.


An Immigration Service spokesman told New Zealand Press Association that the two people would leave the country today.