New Zealand announces residence pathway for Ukrainian refugees

MOSCOW. Aug 28 (Interfax) - The government of New Zealand has decided to open a new residence pathway to Ukrainian refugees who hold the Special Ukraine Visa, Ukrainian media reported with reference to the New Zealand government's press service.

"Many of those who sought safety here in New Zealand would never have anticipated being here long term," New Zealand Immigration Minister Andrew Little said.

However, as the crisis is continuing, the government believes it has "a humanitarian obligation to provide certainty" to these people, he said.

The residence pathway will be available to Special Ukraine Visa holders where the principal applicant was granted a Special Ukraine Visa and arrived in New Zealand before March 15, 2024, it said.

The Special Ukraine Visa first opened for applications for 12 months starting March 15, 2022 and was later extended for another 12 months to March 15, 2024.

"The visa allows Ukrainians with close relatives who are New Zealand citizens or residents, to come to New Zealand to shelter for two years," Little said.

New applications for the Special Ukraine Visa can be submitted up to March 15, 2024. After that date, Special Ukraine Visa holders staying in New Zealand would be able to continue to apply for subsequent temporary visas under the existing policy, as long as they wish to shelter in New Zealand or await the outcome of their residence application, it said.

"We're making it as simple as possible to apply for the residence pathway," Little said.

As of August 20, 2023, around 1,510 Special Ukraine Visas had been granted since the special category was created, and around 340 special category visa holders are currently in New Zealand, it said.