World Immigration News

Pacific islanders 'have a very high-risk of overstaying' - NZ immigration expert

Release Date: 2025-03-12
Media: RNZ
Summary: New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that extending visa-free travel to Pacific Island nations is not a priority, though it remains under consideration. The Green Party has launched a petition to extend visa-free travel to these countries, with support from Pacific leaders like those from Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga.

Currently, nearly 60 countries can enter New Zealand without a visa, but none are Pacific Island nations. Fijian lawyer Lavi Rokoika expressed surprise that Pacific Island nations are excluded, given their historical ties with New Zealand and Australia.

However, immigration advisor June Ranson argued against visa-free travel, citing concerns over overstaying, suggesting instead that New Zealand should focus on supporting Pacific nations' infrastructure to provide local work opportunities. Rokoika acknowledged the overstaying risk but suggested other ways to address it.

Luxon noted that Pacific visa-free travel is not a priority at the moment due to other pressing immigration matters. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized New Zealand's close relationship with the Pacific but said visa status is decided case by case.

Green Party spokesperson Teanau Tuiono expressed frustration over the difficulty for Pacific Islanders to visit relatives in New Zealand and highlighted the importance of visa-free access, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region. He also pointed to systemic racism favoring Europeans in the current system.
Tags: NEW ZEALAND

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