IMPACT – HIGH

Foreigners seeking entry to New Zealand as an exception to the border closures face a new process and lodgment fees. Additionally, offshore visas will be suspended.

Key points:

  • Starting Aug. 10, employers and organizations seeking entry for “other critical workers” will be charged $380 per entry request.
  • Individuals seeking entry under any other established and future critical purpose categories will pay $45 per request starting Aug. 10.
  • A new online request form will be available for employers to replace the current manual process.
  • Offshore temporary visa applications, including student visa applications, will be suspended for three months. Immigration New Zealand says it cannot process these as applicants are unlikely to meet entry requirements.
  • The following offshore temporary entry class visas are not affected: relationship-based visas for partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens and residents, visas for diplomatic, consular and official staff and accompanying dependents, Antarctic Traveler Visitor visas and Antarctic Work visas, Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited visas.

Background: New Zealand closed its borders to non-citizens in March and has among the world’s strictest entry requirements.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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