Petition request

That the House of Representatives grant a residence amnesty to approximately 200,000 migrants on temporary working visas or resident/citizen partner working visas currently in New Zealand, similar to the amnesty granted back in 2000 under the fifth Labour Government.

Petition reason

In March 2020, the skilled migrant residence pool was closed to new applicants, with no indication when it might reopen. In addition, there have been regular changes to the residence criteria, making some people who may have relied on those criteria when leaving their countries ineligible for residence once they are here. COVID-19 has added to the difficulties these 'new Kiwis' face. They are important to NZ—our economy and our communities—and I feel they should be granted residence status now.

Related

Download Interim Select Committee Report Go to page
Download Final Select Committee Report Go to page

Petition progress

  • Open for signatures
  • Closed for signatures
  • Select Committee
  • Reported
  • Referred to Minister
Number of signatures: 64316
Date presented: 05 Feb 2021
Considered by: Petitions
SC Report(s): 07 May 2021 (Interim)
09 Aug 2021 (Final)
Presenting member: Dr James McDowall
Closing date: 02 Feb 2021