24 Jun 2020

Immigration New Zealand explains border exemption process

From Nine To Noon, 9:08 am on 24 June 2020

Thousands of visa holders are prevented from returning to their lives in New Zealand because they were overseas when the borders closed on March 19. Many have repeatedly been denied an exemption to the border closure. Certain changes were made last week that would allow partners and dependents of New Zealand citizens to return. Criteria and processes were also set for the "critical workers" category - that's the one that allowed workers on Avatar and the America's Cup to come in. Jock Gilray, Immigration New Zealand's National Manager, Border and Visa Operations, joins Kathryn to explain those changes, and the way the exemption process is applied. Kathryn is also joined by Noreen Wong, who's stuck in Singapore, and has started a Facebook group for others in a similar situation.

Closed boom gate on the flag background. Restricted entry or immigration ban 3D

Photo: 123RF