Monday, 19 March 2007
A number of key policy changes will come into effect on 2 April 2007. These changes are as follow:
Residence policy changes
Samoan Quota Scheme and Pacific Access Category
- For the registration stage, Samoan Quota Scheme and Pacific Access Category principal applicants will now be called principal registrants.
- Fijian citizens cannot register in the PAC ballot or apply for residence if applications are called for under the Residual Pacific Access Category Places. Please note: This will not affect previous PAC quota applications for the 2006 quota year.
- In line with PAC, family members cannot submit multiple registrations under SQS, and there may only be one registration per family.
- Both the SQS and PAC will be amended to state simply that an employment agreement is required.
- The minimum income requirement will increase to $29,430.96.
- Any partner and/or dependent children who were eligible for inclusion in the registration but were not included will not subsequently be able to be granted residence under the Partnership or Dependent Child policies of Family Category.
- PAC and SQS registrants included in a registration must either be in New Zealand lawfully or offshore at the time of registration.
- PAC and SQS registrations must be fully completed, signed by the principal registrant, and accompanied by any documents or evidence specified as required by the registration form in order to be accepted for the ballot.
- Applicants must be aged 18 to 45 at the closing date of the registration period.
Evidence of domestic violence
- A final protection order will be regarded as evidence of domestic violence in policy for victims of domestic violence.
Temporary Entry policy changes
Evidence of domestic violence
- As in residence policy, a final protection order will be regarded as evidence of domestic violence in policy for victims of domestic violence.
Addition to the list of recognised religious denominations
- Ministers of religion, missionaries and members of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) (NZ) Inc will be able to receive work visas for short and long-term engagements.
Estonia working holiday scheme
- The Estonia Working Holiday Scheme will open on 2 April 2007, with 100 working holiday visas available to young Estonians each year.
For more information please
contact TNC for further information or if you need assistance in this area.
