Petition request

That the House of Representatives urge the Government to give visa extensions and exemptions to travel to NZ on humanitarian reasons to offshore migrants who are ordinarily resident in New Zealand, but who are currently stuck overseas due to the border closure.

Petition reason

Many offshore stranded migrants who were living in NZ without permanent residence status considered NZ their home for many years, but have lost their visas and jobs, and are unable to return due to the border closure. We have invested in our studies, careers, and lives in NZ. Many of us have been paying our NZ rent and utility bills in absentia for more than 8 months without any income or help from the Government. Our homes, valuable assets, and documents are also stuck there unattended.

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: 1900
Date presented: 10 Feb 2021
Considered by: Petitions
SC Report(s): 07 May 2021 (Interim)
09 Aug 2021 (Final)
Presenting member: Ricardo Menéndez March
Closing date: 03 Feb 2021