End of week round up from New Zealand Shores, 6 November 2020
Let’s keep you all up to date on what has been happening and what the current status is at the New Zealand border.
- General update
- Immigration Minister remains the same
- Managed isolation at capacity
- International students
- Remuneration thresholds
- Travel conditions extended for newly issued resident visas
New Zealand continues to keep Covid-19 at bay and has not experienced the ‘second wave’ many other countries are facing. We currently have 73 active Covid-19 cases in the country, all in managed isolation. There remains no community outbreak.
Immigration Minister remains the same
The Labour government introduced their new Ministers this week with confirmation that the Immigration Minister, Honourable Kris Faafoi, will remain in parliament.
“Labour will open up our settings to get more people into the country, while maintaining robust controls at the border,” .
We anticipate more changes by the end of 2020 and will keep you updated.
Managed Isolation at Capacity
It was recently announced that the Managed Isolation Allocation System has been fully booked until the 20th December 2020.
What does this mean for those entering the country?
You need to ensure your selected date of travel is after this date. Vouchers are required to secure your place in a managed isolation facility. These are mandatory before you fly.
For more information about the Managed Isolation Allocation System you can visit the website here
International Student Update Explanation
From 2 November, changes have been made to allow border exceptions for particular students to return to New Zealand.
The border restrictions being lifted is only for about 250 students and for students already studying in NZ, who already held student visas, and who need to be here to complete their studies, for example, to complete their research for their PhD.
Students also have to be nominated by their universities and be invited to come back.
Border restrictions remain in place for all new students for the time being. We are still unable to submit student visas for offshore applicants. This will be re-evaluated in February and is a positive sign that the government is beginning to loosen the restrictions.
Likely Changes to Remuneration Thresholds
November is traditionally the month when remuneration rates are reviewed by Immigration NZ. The median wage review under way and is likely to go up to NZD$27.00 in November. INZ is waiting for sign-off by the Minister.
We will publish this information as soon as we have it.
Expressions Of Interest (EOIs) remain suspended until review in February.
Travel Conditions Extended for Newly Issued Resident Visas (offshore)
The Minister has used his discretionary power under the Immigration Act to address the travel conditions on newly issued resident visas. He has allowed a further 12 month extension so those effected may arrive in the country. This gives approximately 5,600 resident visa holders more certainty about their ability to arrive in NZ in the future
We at New Zealand Shores all hope that you have a great weekend and please get in contact with us if you have any questions.
Take care, Julia
