New Zealand moved to Alert Level 1 on Tuesday 9 June 2020… but our border didn’t
80 days after the government announced the alert system on 21 March 2020 New Zealand had achieved no new cases of COVID-19. We moved down to Level 1 on 9 June 2020. There are very few restrictions at this level. Domestically the focus is on basic hygiene and a contact tracing. Our office is now operating as normal but it’s good to know that we have the systems to operate remotely as well. The vast majority of our enquiries our online and after a reduction in March and April in June enquiries numbers have shot up to pre-Covid levels in May and June to date.
…but our border didn’t
But it’s anything but business as usual at the border! On 19 March the border was closed to all but citizens and residents already based in New Zealand, and their immediate dependents travelling back with them to New Zealand. It is likely to remain closed until a treatment or vaccine is available. A local bubble with Australia and Pacific neighbours as possible before then. Beyond that only a small number of exemptions for COVID-19 related essential workers, a tiny number of other essential workers in New Zealand’s national interests exceptional humanitarian cases. We have been inundated with queries about border exceptions from employers and businesses urgently needing the unique skills of well-qualified migrants to partners and extended family members. We have also received inquiries from skilled migrants and investors offshore who see New Zealand as a safe haven in a very uncertain world.
Click here to read the full update
6-month extension for employer-assisted work visa holders….
On 7th July 2020, Immigration New Zealand announced that those who are in New Zealand with employer-assisted work visas expiring before 31st December 2020, will automatically be extended for a further 6-months.
An employer-assisted temporary work visa includes:
- Essential Skills
- Work to Residence
- Special and Skilled work visas for China, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines and Vietnam
- Special category work visas for Japanese Interpreters and Thai Chefs
- Work visas granted under section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009 that specify an employer
This extension does not apply the employer-assisted work visa holders partner or dependent child who holds a visa based on their relationship and their expiry date will remain the same.
All your other original visa conditions stay the same, including the job title and location. If the conditions of employment have changed or employment has ended, applicants will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa if required.
Many people would like a new life in New Zealand
Pacific Legal offers a gateway to realise that dream.
Our NZ immigration lawyers are able to guide you through the complex pathways of New Zealand’s Immigration Law. We offer you the peace of mind which comes with engaging a leading New Zealand immigration law firm. We are not afraid of difficult cases and unexpected events.
Many people would like a new life in New Zealand
Pacific Legal offers a gateway to realise that dream.
Our NZ immigration lawyers are able to guide you through the complex pathways of New Zealand’s Immigration Law. We offer you the peace of mind which comes with engaging a leading New Zealand immigration law firm. We are not afraid of difficult cases and unexpected events.
We might be able to help you, fill out the applicable form below to find out:
If you are overseas
If you are in New Zealand
For many years, Pacific Legal Limited has been helping people with their NZ immigration needs. Pacific Legal has assisted people from both English speaking countries (Canada and the United States) and non-English speaking countries (such as China, South America, Indonesia, Samoa, Tonga and France), to work, study or gain permanent residence in New Zealand.
Our staff are committed to helping you and your family with your immigration needs and our extensive legal experience will make sure you get the right legal advice, when you need it, in various languages.
Our immigration services are available to you wherever you are in NZ or the world.
We have clients throughout the Asia Pacific region, Canada, South America, the United States, France and beyond, as well as here in New Zealand.
Our immigration lawyers are available New Zealand wide and we frequently visit Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and many other centres throughout NZ. Our office is located in Newmarket, Auckland and we are also available to you through Skype, Zoom, Whatsapp and other media.
