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A third of those billed for their stays in managed isolation have not paid, more than three months later.
Person in managed isolation (file photo). Source: istock.com
By Gill Bonnett for rnz.co.nz
The system was intended to ensure that short-term returnees received a “stay pay,” but the Government admits that it does not know how many of them have already returned abroad.
A single person is required to pay $ 3,100 of the cost of $ 6,000 to accommodate them for fifteen days. The partial payment for a family of four is $ 5,000.
But of the first batch of 39 invoices sent in August, 13 were not paid 90 days later, for a total debt of $ 43,625.
Not all of the remaining 26 invoices had been paid, as some were granted a fee waiver after the invoice date. There are exemptions for hardship and other special circumstances, such as compassionate reasons.
New Zealanders who must pay include those staying less than 90 days and those who left New Zealand after August 11 this year and are returning home. Among those who pay for their stay are also foreigners who arrive as critical or maritime workers.
The nation’s 32 managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) hotels cost taxpayers more than $ 2 million a day, and must exceed budget by the end of December.
“The first invoices were due on November 26, 2020,” said an MIQ spokesperson.
“These bills were for returnees who went into managed isolation on August 11 and left on August 25.
“Once invoices are overdue, they become a debt to the Crown. MIQ sends a reminder 30 days before the due date to remind returnees about the invoice that includes details on how to pay, how to request a plan of payments and what to do if the person considers that they are not responsible or exempt.
“After the due date, a new letter will be sent requesting payment. This letter will also include details on how to request an installment payment plan.
“If the person does not contact or does not pay, a decision will be made on the most appropriate course of action.
“Options include referral to a debt collection agency or legal action. This decision will be made by applying a consistent set of factors.”
MIQ did not know how many of those billed had left the country after their visit, he added.
There are an average of 468 predicted daily vacancies at MIQ over the next fortnight, based on MIQ vouchers purchased.
Yesterday, there were 5,429 people in MIQ across the country out of 6,261 ‘operational capacity’ spaces, which does not include emergency contingency locations and quarantine rooms.
