Immigration: VISA requirements.

Valay from East Tamaki

These changes are being made as a result of an increase in the number of South African nationals who have been refused entry at the New Zealand border in comparison to other visa waiver countries.

Currently, people from South Africa do not need to apply for a visitor visa before travelling to New Zealand, with genuine visitors being granted a visitor visa on arrival. As a result of the change all visitors from South Africa will need to obtain a visa before travelling to New Zealand.

We are committed to creating an immigration system that actively welcomes and encourages legitimate visitors to New Zealand, but at the same time is able to prevent those who do not meet immigration requirements.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) General Manager Peter Elms says “We are committed to creating an immigration system that actively welcomes and encourages legitimate visitors to New Zealand, but at the same time is able to prevent those who do not meet immigration requirements.”

I believe this is a weak reason for punish all South Africans who live here. Keep stopping those at the border if you feel so. That is what one of the functions of boarder control? Are you telling me that we have not rejected a person entry despite them having a VISA? Is this the best solution for South Africans who have fully adopted this country and their families who were previously allowed to share important occasions without the need for a VISA that is highly complex and lengthy?
I lost my mum and was denied my rights to do her final rites due to these changes in VISA requirements.

I am looking at creating a petition to get a review in memory of our late Nelson Mandela who was instrumental in making SA and NZ visa free in 1996.
Please reply with your views, whatever they may be.