News and releases

The Government is making immediate short-term changes to visa settings to support temporary migrants already onshore in New Zealand and their employers, while also ensuring New Zealanders needing work are prioritised.

Recognised Seasonal Employers and migrant seasonal workers stranded in New Zealand will be able to continue working and supporting themselves with more flexible hours and roles.

Today the Government is taking the next steps to safely help reunite New Zealand families, and support economic recovery without increasing the risk of COVID-19, say Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford and Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway.

The Tourism Recovery Plan is underway, with first recipients to receive funding from the $400 million Tourism Sector Recovery Plan announced, along with criteria for the Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme, and the co-chairs of the government’s New Zealand Tourism Futures Taskforce.

The government has announced a $400m tourism recovery package to support the industry recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parliament has today passed legislation to ensure that the Government can respond quickly, appropriately and efficiently to immigration issues arising from the COVID-19 outbreak.

A Bill to temporarily amend immigration legislation to support the quick and efficient management of visa changes during COVID-19 is being introduced to Parliament tomorrow.

Everyone travelling in New Zealand should consider returning home as soon as they are able to.

New guidelines to help destinations around New Zealand have been released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.