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Temporary changes to visa settings will help temporary visitors and migrants stay in New Zealand while they organize the trip home, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced today.
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Those whose visas are about to run out will be able to get a five-month extension. Source: 1 NEWS
Land visitor visas that expire before October 31, 2020 will be extended for five months and a new two-month Covid-19 short-term visitor visa will be created to assist temporary migrants who cannot leave due to restrictions. of international travel. .
“We know that international travel restrictions due to Covid-19 have affected the ability of many people to leave New Zealand before their visas expire,” Faafoi said.
“These changes will provide visitors and other temporary migrants stranded in New Zealand with more certainty and time to organize travel arrangements home.”
There are around 19,000 people in New Zealand on visitor visas who would be eligible for the five-month extension.
Faafoi said the new two-month short-term visitor visa would also “help people reaching the end of their current visitor, work, student or partner visa who do not meet the criteria for another visa and need time to organize. the trip home. “
A person must be “truly unable to leave New Zealand as a result of Covid-19, intends to depart, and meets normal good character requirements.”
They will not need to meet the usual criteria of having enough money to maintain their stay, have existing travel arrangements, or meet time limits for being in New Zealand.
“These are short-term practical measures that are designed to help people stay legal in New Zealand while they organize their trip home,” Faafoi said.
