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The government has waived managed isolation fees for nearly everyone who has applied for special fee waivers, the figures show.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) received 87 requests to waive administered isolation fees since it began charging returning travelers in early August. He approved 85 of them. Most of the requests were made under special circumstances and five were related to financial difficulties.
Kiwis returning to New Zealand are expected to pay their own managed isolation costs. More than 43,000 kiwis abroad have returned home and completed their 14-day stay in quarantine and isolation facilities managed since March, as part of the government’s efforts against the coronavirus.
Rates for returnees heading to government-approved isolation facilities were first introduced on August 11. Adults are charged a general rate of $ 3,100. Additional adults staying in the same room pay $ 950 each, while children ages 3-17 pay an extra $ 475.
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But information from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment shows that many of those who have completed exemption applications so far have been exempted from their fees.
A quarantine and managed isolation spokesperson said that between August 11 and 24, MBIE received 87 full applications.
There were 82 requests for waivers due to special circumstances and five due to financial hardship. Of these, 85 applications were approved and two were rejected, he said.
JASON DORDAY / Things
Four Points by Sheraton security guards managed the isolation facility in Auckland.
Fee waivers
MBIE’s website states that managed isolation fee waiver requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Waivers are available in cases of undue financial hardship and other special circumstances. These special circumstances could include a New Zealander entering controlled isolation because they left the country to accompany a person back to New Zealand who has a disability or is unable to travel alone.
Someone who needs to travel to or from New Zealand for medical treatment or other compassionate reasons, including when a person has traveled to visit a seriously ill or dying close relative or to attend a funeral or tangihanga.
Andrew McRae / RNZ
The hotel of distinction in Hamilton is being used as a managed isolation facility.
Necessary documentation
To apply for a fee waiver, individuals must download and complete the fee waiver form and all necessary supporting documents.
For those entering the country to attend a funeral or tangihanga, a copy of the death certificate, a death notice, or a letter from the funeral director is requested.
For those entering the country to visit a seriously ill or dying close relative, a letter from a doctor, hospital or hospice is requested to support the request.
On the basis of financial hardship, individuals must complete a statement of financial position, found on the exemption form, and also attach any other supporting documents, such as bank statements or mortgage documents.
Other exemptions
There are also some other waivers of the isolation charges.
New Zealanders who were abroad before August 11 will not have to pay if they stay more than 90 days.
Temporary visa holders who left New Zealand before March 19, when the borders were closed, and who were residing in New Zealand at the time also do not have to pay.
Hannah Peters / Getty Images
A hotel employee disinfects the exterior of Stamford Plaza in Auckland.
Also, someone in New Zealand who enters Managed Isolation will not be charged to care for someone who is exempt from fees.
New Zealand citizens living in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau are also exempt if they travel for medical treatment or transit through New Zealand after arriving from another country.
Others who are exempt include refugees, deportees and diplomats, consular personnel and their families, and official representatives of foreign governments. The full list of exemptions can be viewed on the MBIE website.
Paying fees
Individuals who must pay the Managed Isolation Fee will receive an invoice upon their departure from Managed Isolation and will have approximately 90 days to pay, according to the MBIE website.
Quarantine and Managed Isolation fees can be paid via direct deposit / online banking.
People do not have to pay while in the managed isolation facility.
