4 Sep 2020

Covid-19 visa extensions allow visitors, migrants more time

From Checkpoint, 5:30 pm on 4 September 2020

The government has agreed to extend visas for visitors stuck in New Zealand because of the closed borders.

The Immigration Minister's announced a five month extension for people who are here, with a visitor visa expiring before the end of October.

One Scottish grandfather, who's over the moon he'll now be able to spend Christmas with family here.

Dave Ashcroft, who's 77, had been due to fly home to Scotland in May after visiting his daughter and grandchildren in Auckland.

His visa was extended in April when the government pushed out the date for visas due to expire between April 1 and July 9 until September 25.

Mr Ashcroft says as the September date neared he was becoming increasingly nervous - and told Checkpoint reporter Nita Blake-Persen that today's announcement was a huge relief.