On Tuesday, 5 May 2020, the New Zealand Parliament introduced the Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill.

The bill will grant the New Zealand Government far-reaching powers to change how visas are accepted and processed. The bill also introduces powers to allow the Minister of Immigration to suspend the ability of some classes of people to apply for visas.

We asked Maike Versfeld, Intergate Emigration Director and licensed advisor, to explain the bill’s significance to us, including how it may affect immigrants going forward. Here’s what she had to say:

Why was this bill introduced?

It was found that the current Immigration Act of 2009 was not fit-for-purpose to respond to emergency situations like the challenges that were experienced due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill is set to become law on the 15th of May 2020.

The date range from labelling this bill in parliament to it getting enacted is only 10 days, which gives very little time for stakeholders to voice their opinions on it. If this is not concerning to you, then you should think again.

But what does this mean and who is going to be affected by this?

This Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill will allow the government to make visa-related decisions to entire groups of visa application holders and applicants. It will give the government the power to:

• vary or cancel conditions for classes of resident class visa holders
• impose, vary, or cancel conditions for classes of temporary entry class visa holders
• waive any regulatory requirements for certain classes of applications
• grant visas to individuals and classes of people in the absence of an application
• extend the expiry dates of visas for classes of people
• waive the requirement to obtain a transit visa in an individual case
• revoke the entry permission of a person who has been deemed by regulations to hold a visa and to have been granted entry permission
• suspend the ability of classes of people to make applications for visas or submit expressions of interest in applying for visas

Provided the bill passes in parliament, it will give the Minister of Immigration new powers for the next 12 months. Those powers can either be used to make changes that you’ll welcome or mean that Immigration NZ will be able to take away certain rights.

Interestingly, the bill gives the Minister of Immigration the ability to grant visas without a visa application being present. He’ll be able to impose, vary or cancel conditions for entire classes of temporary visa holders.

Where does this leave us?

It is still very unclear at the moment. It is also worrisome that the Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill will allow the Minister to ‘suspend certain classes of people to make applications for visas or submit an expression of interest in applying for visas’….

I am asking myself what type of visa applicant will this affect, and why would it even be necessary to give the New Zealand government such powers?

Before the pandemic started, INZ’s processing time for a Skilled Migrant Residence visa was about 18 months. If I compare this to 2017, a time when an SMC application was still assessed within 1-3 months, it is clearly evident that INZ was already struggling with all the applications in the queue before the pandemic started. Temporary work visa applications took between 2-4 months, sometimes longer.

Seeing that the visa processing time was already long prior to the pandemic, what is the real reason behind wanting to suspend the ability of people to submit visa applications and Expression of Interests? Is this perhaps just a tool to allow INZ to clear the backlog they were sitting on for a very long time? Or is this a way to create new classes of people who INZ want to prevent from applying for visas in future?

In conclusion

There aren’t answers yet to all our questions, but it’s more important than ever to know if you’re eligible for immigration and to understand the visa application process.

Please do not hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions. You can call us on 021 202 8200 or email us at info@intergate-immigration.com.

In a previous post, we shared the news that the Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill was introduced to New Zealand’s parliament on Tuesday, 5 May 2020. Now we can tell you that the government passed the bill on 13 May 2020.

What is it that the Bill allows?

Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill passed on 13 May 2020

Minister of Immigration Iain Lees-Galloway explains it in his press release that was published last week:

“The Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill 2020 allows us to amend the Act so we have the necessary flexibility and efficiency to address the unprecedented challenge of managing large numbers of migrants who are practically unable to leave New Zealand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or who live in New Zealand but are offshore and are facing difficulty returning.”

In a nutshell, the Immigration (COVID-19 Response) Amendment Bill enables the New Zealand Government to respond quickly, appropriately and efficiently to immigration issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic.

There were concerns from some corners – including our own office – prior to the New Zealand Government passing the bill. These concerns were specifically around the type of visa applicants the Bill will affect. Minister Lees –Galloway has provided some clarity about this by mentioning in his press release that the New Zealand government “…won’t [be] revoking visas or suspending onshore applications. Any special direction made under the Amendment Act will not disadvantage visa holders.”

The Bill introduces eight time-limited powers

As we explained above, the Amendment Bill enables the New Zealand Government to amend visa conditions for groups of people. The Bill also enables the government to extend visas for groups of people for varying periods of time. The purpose of the latter is to enable Immigration New Zealand to stagger the processing of visa applications whenever people need or want to stay longer in New Zealand.

Further to the above, the Amendment Bill also enables the government to waive visa requirements for groups of people. The Bill also makes provision for preventing groups of people overseas from applying for visas when it is impossible to travel to New Zealand due to border restrictions.

All of these changes to the Immigration Act are available for 12 months and are captured in these eight powers:

• imposing, varying or cancelling conditions for classes of temporary entry class visa holders
• varying or cancelling conditions for classes of resident class visa holders
• extending the expiry dates of visas for classes of people
• granting visas to individuals or classes of people in the absence of an application
• waiving any regulatory requirements for certain classes of application, in other words any requirements that applicants have to meet to have their application accepted by INZ for assessment
• waiving the requirement to obtain a transit visa
• suspending the ability to make applications for visas or submit Expressions of Interest in applying for visas by classes of people who are overseas
• revoking the entry permission of people who are deemed to have obtained entry permission

Where does this leave us?

In our opinion, there are still uncertainties. If we go back to our earlier post on the Bill, you’ll see that the changes that worry us the most are those that now make it possible for the government to stop groups of people from applying for visas and to stop groups of people from submitting Expressions of Interest.

We’re going to keep a close eye on the situation to see how the government and Immigration New Zealand acts upon the changes introduced to the Immigration Act.

Our advice to you stays the same…

It is now more important than ever that you know if you’re eligible for immigration and that you understand the process of applying for a visa seeing that it’ll soon be much more complicated.

For these reasons, we suggest that you book a consultation call to discuss your immigration options. Our licensed advisor will assess your visa eligibility and then discuss the best way forward with you.

Just like New Zealand, South Africa is fighting the coronavirus. At the time of writing, both countries have entered into a nationwide lockdown. As Intergate Emigration have offices in South Africa, we wanted to brief you on South Africa’s lockdown and how it will affect our operations.

South Africa’s decision for a nationwide lockdown

All of South Africa have been called upon by President Ramaphosa, to unite in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak. Due to his swift and decisive decision making, South Africa entered into a nationwide lockdown for 21 days at midnight, on 26 March. The lockdown will last until midnight on the 16th of April.

What is a lockdown?

This is an emergency protocol taken by the South African government in terms of the country’s Disaster Management Act. It requires that all those in South Africa stay at home with exception of certain individuals and industries providing essential services.

How will this affect Intergate’s business operations?

Intergate Emigration has had to close our South African offices during the lockdown period, but our aim is to offer clients full operational continuity and service delivery. Our team will remain available by email, and our administrators are equipped to stay connected from home.

If you are interested in immigration to New Zealand, you can still contact us. We’ll proceed with the parts of the process that we can, considering New Zealand’s lockdown. Our advisers will be able to discuss with you what’s possible and what’s not. As a starting point, please book a consultation call.

Please note, however, that we will be operating on a reduced schedule and we kindly ask for your understanding at this time.

Keep in touch to stay updated

To know when things change, follow us on either Facebook or LinkedIn.

New Zealand is battling the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, just like most other countries around the world. At the time of writing, New Zealand has entered a four-week lockdown. During this lockdown, all New Zealanders have to stay at home.

Below we’ll summarise all the important information to know about the lockdown as well as other measures that New Zealand have taken to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Four-week lockdown, but not for essential services

New Zealand’s lockdown began at midnight on Wednesday, 25 March. For now, the lockdown is set to continue for four weeks but it may last for longer.

During the lockdown, New Zealanders have to stay at home with the exception being those working in essential service businesses. These are businesses in industries such as food, medicine, healthcare, energy, fuel, waste-removal, internet and financial support.

Furthermore, New Zealanders returning from overseas during the lockdown will have to quarantine in airport hotels or motels if they did not have anywhere to self-isolate in the city they arrive in.

Prime Minister Ardern has received praise for how she’s handled the pandemic thus far, specifically for providing clarity and compassion at a time when it’s sorely necessary.

New Zealand borders have closed to almost all travellers

New Zealand has closed their borders to all travellers during the lockdown, except for New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, residents with valid travel conditions and their immediate family.

These immediate family members, which include partners, spouses, legal guardians and dependent children under the age of 24, must have a valid visa or NZeTA and travel with the New Zealand citizen or resident family members on the same flight to New Zealand.

Australian citizens and permanent residents who normally live in New Zealand can also return to New Zealand.

All travellers must isolate themselves for 14 days upon arrival, either at home or at an airport hotel or motel as discussed above.

Entry restriction exceptions

Immigration New Zealand are making exceptions to the border closure on case-by-case basis for:

• Humanitarian reasons.
• Health and other essential workers.
• Citizens of Samoa and Tonga for essential travel to New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand has advised that those with a valid visa who think they may be eligible for an exception should contact their airline.

All INZ’s overseas office are closed

Unfortunately, all of Immigration New Zealand’s overseas visa processing offices have closed for the foreseeable future. Moreover, INZ only have skeleton staff in New Zealand and their only priority is dealing with COVID-19 requests. INZ are prioritising responses based on the government’s direction and are only intended for exceptional cases.

Contact Immigration New Zealand for urgent queries

If you have an urgent immigration query, you can still contact Immigration New Zealand by using the following numbers:

• Outside New Zealand: +64 9 952 1679
• Within New Zealand: 0508 225 288

You can also follow Intergate Emigration on either Facebook or LinkedIn where we’ll inform you of updates and developments as it happens.

The Emigration Expo, held in the Netherlands, is Europe’s largest meeting point for the emigration industry. The 2020 event is hosting 200 exhibitors and more than 11,000 visitors are expected. The Intergate Group will be joining too!

Emigration information for emigrants, expats, students, entrepreneurs and job seekers

The 24th Emigration Expo takes place during the weekend of 8 and 9 February. It is the only international event for those who want to live abroad. A visit to the Expo will quickly provide you with all you need to know about living, working, studying and doing business overseas. You’ll get information through a comprehensive range of options, services, vacancies and products as well as attend free lectures and presentations on issues, topics and trends relating to emigration.

Find Intergate for advice on South Africa, Australia and New Zealand

Intergate had a successful event in 2019 so we’re going back in 2020! We’ll be available to answer all your questions about emigration to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Come see us, at whatever stage you are of your emigration journey. We’re looking forward to meeting you!

Event details:

When?

Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February 2020, from 10am to 5pm.

Where?

Expo Houten
Meidoornkade 24
3992 AE Houten
The Netherlands

How much?

• €17.50 at the door.
• €12.50 when ordering tickets online.
• €8.75 for students, on production of a student pass at the door.

Your ticket is valid for both Saturday and Sunday.

For more details: www.emigrationexpo.com

The New Zealand government has announced a new tourist entry approval process known as the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

Effective from 1 October 2019, most travelers will need to hold an ETA before entering New Zealand.

Who will have to hold a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority?

All visitors – whether they’re coming for a holiday, to visit friends and relations, or to study for a short time – who are eligible to travel to New Zealand without a visa will need to hold an NZeTA before they board their flight or cruise from 1 October 2019.

While Australian citizens will be exempt, Australian permanent residents will need to hold a NZeTA. New Zealand citizens and holders of valid New Zealand visas, both resident and temporary visas, will continue to be able to enter New Zealand without a NZeTA.

How will I apply for a NZeTA?

Travellers will be able to quickly and easily apply for their NZeTA either online or through Immigration New Zealand’s free app. The cost for online applications will be NZ$12, while applying through the app will only cost NZ$9.

Some travellers will also have to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy at the same time as applying for their ETA. You can read more about this levy here.

How long will it take to process my NZeTA?

Immigration New Zealand has noted that you should allow up to 72 hours for your NZeTA to be processed, although it could take as little as 10 minutes.

Would I have to apply for an NZeTA each time I travel?

No, you won’t. The NZeTA will be valid for up two years and multiple visits, while the NZeTA for crew members will be valid for five years.

When do applications open?

Applications already opened on the 1st of July 2019.

Go to Immigration New Zealand for more

This information is a summary of all the most important points to know. Also visit Immigration New Zealand’s website for a detailed look at all the requirements.