Ukrainians in New Zealand will be granted a one-year visa renewal

Ukrainians in New Zealand whose visas will expire by the end of the year will be granted a one-year extension, the immigration minister officially confirmed.

Ukrainians in New Zealand will be eligible for a one-year visa extension

Kris Faafoi, the government’s spokesperson, said in a message that the government is designing expedited steps to assist Ukrainians who choose to stay in New Zealand or return quickly.

“Ukrainian residents in New Zealand whose visas run out before the end of the year can stay here lawfully for another year to provide them assurance at a time when their country is under attack, and they may not be able to go home,” Faafoi said.

According to the most recent numbers, around 300 Ukrainian people are in New Zealand on temporary visas. However, 140 of these Ukrainians expect their visas to expire before the end of the year.

“Furthermore, as long as they fulfill COVID-19 health standards to travel, 250 or so Ukrainian individuals having valid New Zealand visas overseas will now be allowed to visit New Zealand instantly without having to wait for the gates to reopen,” Faafoi added.

Separately, the country’s immigration agency stated that the administration is exploring further border exemptions for extended relatives of Ukrainians in New Zealand and prioritizing emergency visa applications from Ukrainian citizens.

The Kyiv visa application facility is temporarily closed. However, Ukrainian citizens can obtain online visas.

Many nations have relaxed travel bans for Ukrainians escaping Russia’s conflict.

Ukrainians will be allowed to live, work, and collect social assistance and housing for a period of three years as part of the EU’s temporary residency policy.

In the wake of Russia’s “special military operation” in neighboring Ukraine on February 24, the UN estimates that more than 1.7 million people have fled the country.