Immigrants who were tantalisingly close to gaining residence when coronavirus struck fear their dreams might be faltering at the final hurdle.
Among the 32,000 skilled migrants waiting for up to 18 months for news on their residence applications is Jessie Le.
She told RNZ immigration reporter Gill Bonnett she and others are worried that long wait may have been for nothing if they lose their job in the aftermath of lockdown.
Immigration New Zealand says there has been no failure of service, as its role is to approve the number of residents the Government wants.
Applications yet to be assessed date back to December 2018.
It says it talks to applicants if it has concerns, such as job loss or the job not meeting immigration requirements, and provides them with an opportunity to comment before a decision is made.
