The government of New Zealand has announced a new immigration policy for the family members of its citizens. According to the New Zealand Immigration Minister David Cunliffe, the said immigration policies will lighten the burden of bringing the family members of New Zealand citizens to the country for visits. David Cunliffe has announced that these revisions in the immigration policy value the importance of family support and thus makes the immigration system more transparent.
Not only parents but grandparents of the migrants will be able to easily obtain visit visas, Cunliffe stated that the immigration agency recognizes how important this is. In November 2007, parents and grandparents visiting their families in the country will be approved multiple visit visas over a period of three years. They will no longer need to reapply for a new visa each time they enter the country. They may conveniently travel back and forth to the country with the said visa.
Aside from the visit visas, the immigration of New Zealand also announced certain revisions in the sponsorship of parents, adult children, and siblings of migrants. These changes include a quota for sponsorship of the above mentioned family members to become permanent residents. Aside from that, New Zealand will introduce more rigorous character criteria for those who wish to sponsor their partners to come and follow them to New Zealand. There will also be a minimum income requirement of NZD $29,897.92 or approximately USD $23,000 when sponsoring parents. The timeframe to guarantee support for the parents is extended from two to five years.