Latest Updates , New Zealand Immigration

In March 2005, the New Zealand government proposed and initiated the most comprehensive review of immigration legislation in 20 years.

Earlier this month, the deadline for public submissions on the proposal was been extended from 14 June to 30 June due to popular response. In late 2006, the New Zealand Cabinet will review all submissions and introduce a Bill to the Parliament sometime in early 2007. The Bill will be drafted with the intention of replacing the existing 1987 Act and its various, subsequent amendments.

The Hon David Cunliffe unveiled the Immigration Act Review Discussion Paper 2006 on 05 April of this year, which is part of a wider program to review New Zealand's entire immigration system. The stated purpose of the Review is to "develop immigration legislation that better meets New Zealand's immigration needs."

New Zealand changes visa options for Guardian work permit eligibility

The Minister of Immigration for New Zealand approved changes to the temporary entry policy today. Current and future holders of a New Zealand visa under the "General Work or Specific Purpose or Event" policy may no longer be granted work or student visas.

The original policy was designed specifically to allow students entering New Zealand to bring their parents or guardians along. It was deemed that the purpose of the guardians is to look after the welfare of the students rather than engage in their own studies or other work. Therefore, residents with 'guardian permits' will no longer be granted other visas.