Fees and waivers

We take the recovery of the money owed for MIQ stays very seriously. Fundamentally it is taxpayers money and people should repay what they owe.

Fees were introduced to share the costs of MIQ in a way that fairly reflects the benefits of having a robust system that protects the New Zealand public, and to those who enter the country.

If returnees arrived before 20 August 2021 and are liable for MIQ fees, they will have 90 days from the date their invoice is issued to pay their bill.

If returnees arrived on or after 20 August 2021 and are liable for MIQ fees, they will have 30 days from the date their invoice is issued to pay their bill.

MBIE can grant a full or partial waiver of fees in cases of financial hardship or other special circumstances, or arrange a deferment of payment, for temporary entry visa class holders.

MIQ sends reminders before the due date which include details of how to pay, how to apply for an instalment plan, and what to do if the person considers they are not liable or are exempt.

After the due date a further letter will be sent requesting payment. This letter also contains details about how to apply for an instalment plan.

If the person does not contact or pay, a decision will be made about the most appropriate course of action, including debt collection agency referral. This decision will be made applying a consistent set of factors and would only occur when it is 90 days or more overdue.

Data and stats about fees and waivers

As of 26 February 2023, 55,345 invoices have been issued worth $212.112 million. 46,329 invoices worth $188.049 million have been paid.

Of the total invoices sent, 6,078 worth $13.86 million are now more than 90 days overdue.

3,240 invoices worth $10.745 million have been referred to MBIE's external debt collection agency. Of this $4.626 million has been paid (or will be paid through instalments).

As of 4 June 2023, 20,327 fee waiver applications have been received. 10,946 of these have been approved and 5,692 have been declined.

Last updated: 21 June 2023