NZ Immigration improves visa conditions for Pacific Island Forum Countries

Immigration Minister Michael Woods has announced that officials, diplomats, and frequent business visitors travelling to New Zealand from Pacific Island Forum Countries and Kiribati will receive improved visa conditions when travelling to New Zealand.

“Previously, visa conditions were granted specific to the individual’s circumstances for travel, and therefore varied. Following requests from Pacific nations we recognise the need to consider consistent visa conditions for frequent travellers.

The changes for officials and diplomats recognise the need to provide greater consistency to our Pacific Island Forum Country and Kiribati counterparts with visa validity conditions and assurance of our commitment to an efficient process,” says Minister Woods.

In his media release the Minister shared that officials at Immigration New Zealand (INZ) have also developed a revised approach to Pacific business travellers to New Zealand. Those travelling frequently to New Zealand for business will also be considered for a three-year multiple entry visa reports Tagata Pasifika.

 

Immigration Minister Michael Wood. Photo: Robert Kitchin / Stuff