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HomeNewsImmigration New Zealand comments on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Immigration New Zealand comments on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We gathered the latest news and comments from the INZ regarding the Coronavirus and included visa information for travellers

 

We gathered the latest news and comments from the INZ regarding the Coronavirus and included visa information for travellers. The post is valid at 11 am on 16 March 2020.

Summary of INZ response

The New Zealand Government published the travel restrictions for everyone who have been present in or transited through, Iran or Mainland China (except Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), and for all Diamond Princess Cruise ship passengers and crew, 14 days prior to them departing or arriving from the cruise ship for New Zealand.

The decision does not apply to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, residents with valid travel conditions, their immediate family (partner/spouse, legal guardian and dependent children under the age of 24), and Australian citizens and PR holders if New Zealand is their main place of permanent residence.

All cruise ships and maritime vessels are temporarily banned to enter New Zealand’s territorial waters from 23:59 Saturday 14 March 2020 until 30 June 2020.

All restrictions will be reviewed by the New Zealand Government 16 days after the announcement on Saturday 14 March 2020.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade recommend all New Zealanders who are travelling overseas to register on SafeTravel to receive all updated information and advice.

Self-isolation for all arrivals

Everyone who arrives in New Zealand must follow the Ministry of Health’s instructions for self-isolation for 14 days. Such measures apply to all visitors with the exception of parts of the Pacific.

Self-isolation means you should avoid situations that could facilitate the transmission of the virus such as social gatherings and events where you come into contact with others. Contact Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453, or your GP if you begin to feel unwell. For more information about self-isolation, please read on the official Ministry of Health’s website.

Information for all visa holders

INZ has provided some Q&A information which we summed up:

  • If you applied for a visa but can no longer travel to New Zealand as originally planned due to the travel restrictions, you are able to withdraw the application by contacting INZ or your immigration adviser.
  • If you are a holder of an NZeTA and it’s valid for two years or you’ve been granted a multiple-entry visitor visa, you don’t need to refund your current visa and you can enter New Zealand later as the situation with the coronavirus’s travel restrictions clears up.
  • You can travel to a country that is not affected by the travel restriction, then spend at least 14 days there, before travelling to New Zealand. You should be able to prove that you have been outside of Mainland China or Iran for that period of time.
  • If you are a student affected by the travel restrictions and you can’t travel before “first entry before date”, INZ can automatically correct your visa conditions during your visa valid period by contacting INZ directly or through your immigration adviser.
  • If you have complex or non-typical cases, your visa is about to expire and you cannot return home because of the coronavirus outbreak, please first read all available information on the INZ website and then, depending on the situation, contact your immigration adviser or INZ. INZ is currently looking at options to facilitate these individuals.

Updated visa processing times

INZ tries to minimize the influence of the coronavirus and the closure of Beijing’s office in China and does everything possible to ensure that most student and visitor visa applications will continue to be decided within normal timeframes.

Be sure to provide all the necessary information when applying for a visa, as INZ warns that the processing time of those applications that are not submitted with all the necessary documentation or require further verification, will take longer.

INZ informs that the processing time for Essential Skills temporary work visas will increase, and we recommend that you submit these applications 3 months before the required visa start date.

For the specific immigration queries, please contact our Licensed Immigration Adviser.