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IMPACT – MEDIUM
The government of New Zealand has provided immigration concessions for Ukrainian nationals.
Key Points:
Additional Information: The Visa Application Center (VAC) in Kyiv is currently closed until further notice. Individuals are encouraged to apply for visas online through this website. More information regarding New Zealand’s immigration concessions for Ukrainian nationals is available here.
BAL Analysis: The government of New Zealand continues to consider other immigration concession for Ukrainian nationals and their family members. Employers and employees are reminded that actions taken as a result of the invasion of Ukraine may change with little or no notice.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The government of New Zealand has announced that it will ease its COVID-19 border measures and entry requirements on March 3.
BAL Analysis: While the border reopening plan signals that traveling to New Zealand will be easier in the coming months, entry restrictions and health protocol can change with little or no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
The New Zealand government has announced that it will allow certain foreign nationals to submit 2021 Residence Visas (2021RVs) beginning Feb. 21.
Additional Information: More information regarding 2021RVs is available here, and an overview of 2021RV processing is available here.
BAL Analysis: New Zealand authorities are intending to process 2021RV applications faster than normal and hopes to limit the number of applicants at any given time to not overload the system. Eligible foreign nationals should submit their 2021RV applications in a timely manner to avoid possible delays.
The New Zealand government has announced a new border reopening plan.
BAL Analysis: More details regarding the reopening plan are expected to be released in the weeks and months ahead. While the border reopening plan is signals that traveling to New Zealand will be easier in the coming months, entry restrictions and health protocol can change with little or no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
The New Zealand government has announced it will increase testing and quarantine requirements.
Additional Information: The New Zealand government said it would delay its border reopening until the end of February. Individuals who are not New Zealand citizens or residents must obtain approval from Immigration New Zealand before traveling to the country.
BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
New Zealand has announced plans to ease entry requirements for up to 600 tech specialists and their families.
Additional Information: New Zealand has enforced strict entry rules during the COVID-19 pandemic but has implemented targeted exceptions for foreign nationals filling jobs that are in high demand. A full list of exceptions is available here. Currently, a managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) voucher will need to be secured before travelling to New Zealand and additional requirements met.
BAL Analysis: Authorities are hoping the new exceptions help New Zealand meet current labor market demands. It is possible that New Zealand may push back previously announced dates to allow for entry into New Zealand without mandatory MIQ. BAL will continue to monitor class exception changes and will provide more information as it becomes available.
Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The New Zealand government has announced it will implement a new traffic light system also known as the COVID-19 Protection Framework to categorize regions of the country.
Additional Information: Officials have said the traffic light system will be implemented soon but have not provided an exact date. More information on the COVID-19 Protection Framework can be found here.
BAL Analysis: The new traffic light system is intended to be more flexible than the old system, allowing different regions to be classified at different risk levels. The system does not affect New Zealand’s border policy. Foreign nationals and residents must submit a border exception request to travel to New Zealand as an exception to current border restriction. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
The New Zealand government recently announced that the Talent Work Visa and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa would close to new applications on Oct. 31.
Additional Information: Work to residence (WTR) visa holders may be eligible to apply for the new 2021 Resident visa. More information regarding the eligibility requirements for the 2021 Resident visa can be found here.
BAL Analysis: Employers and employees should be aware of the upcoming Oct. 31 visa application deadline. BAL will continue to monitor New Zealand’s visa changes and will provide more information as it becomes available.
Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
The New Zealand government has announced that it will require non-citizen travelers to be fully vaccinated to enter the country.
Additional Information: Travelers must have a voucher confirming their place in managed isolation before boarding a flight to New Zealand. Exemptions to this requirement can be found here.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global practice. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
IMPACT – HIGH
The New Zealand government has announced a new one-off residence visa pathway for some temporary work visa holders.
Additional Information: Partners and dependent children can be included on the residence visa application. Short-term visa holders, such as visitors, students and seasonal workers, are not eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa Applications will be open in two phases from Dec. 1, 2021, for some eligible applicants and from March 1, 2022, for the remaining applicants. All applications must be submitted by July 31, 2022.
BAL Analysis: Work visa holders who meet the above requirements will be able to apply for the residence visa in the coming months. The full detailed requirements for the 2021 Resident Visa have yet to be released and BAL will monitor and provide additional information as it becomes available.