New Zealand’s government has decided to expand visas offered to Ukrainians fleeing the war and extend Special Ukraine Visa until March 2024.
Authorities in New Zealand offered a total of 4,000 visas to the parents as well as wider family members of Ukraine- New Zealanders, weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, VisaGuide.World reports.
According to the Stuff report, last week alone a total of 603 people reached New Zealand on a visa while a total of 1,353 applications had been granted.
The government’s decision to extend the visas until 2024 for Ukrainian refugees was announced by New Zealand’s Immigration Minister Michael Wood, while emphasizing that the visas will now be valid until March 15, 2024, and permit people 12 months in order to travel to New Zealand on the Special Ukraine visa, instead prior nine months.
It was emphasized that a person applying for the visa could nominate an acceptable sponsor to carry on financial responsibilities for their arrival in New Zealand, while the criteria for family members eligible to sponsor a visa applicant would also be expanded.
“These changes give clarity to members of New Zealand’s Ukraine community who still want to bring their family members here,” Minister Wood pointed out.
He confirmed that the country is broadening the criteria for persons who can nominate a family member in order to include those with Ukrainian heritage in order to expand the pool of eligible New Zealand citizens or residents who may want to help their family members in Ukraine to reach New Zealand.
“Those who can be sponsored under the category are also expanding to include other adult family members who have lived with the family for a substantial period of time. This could be aunts, uncles, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews first cousins, and step-siblings,” Wood pointed out.
He stressed that the conflict in Ukraine was ongoing while adding that the unique visa was part of New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
It has been emphasized that immigration fees are also abolished for visa applicants while due to difficulties some would have held documentation because of the war, while the immigration officials considered requests under a high trust basis.
Special Ukraine Visa was dedicated to all Ukrainians who have fled the war following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while it permits all holders to have access to publicly funded healthcare, while their children are eligible to attend school as well as domestic students. Adults are also eligible to access free classes in the English language in the country.
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