A financial policy advisor says he's sceptical IRD's student debt crackdown will work. 

The agency's engaged debt collectors to secure more than $2 billion of outstanding student loans from people who have moved overseas. 

Fincap Senior Policy Adviser Jake Lilley told Mike Hosking those with large student loans shouldn't be expected to pay it back on the spot. 

He says if people don't have the money, it's never going to get paid, and those being chased down should talk to their creditors. 

He says there’s often relief available for those unable to pay their debts.  

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