National announces 10-year visa for parents, grandparents of migrants

The National Party is promising to offer parents and grandparents of migrants a long-term visa that will allow them to stay with their family for up to 10 years in New Zealand.

Families of migrants currently need to apply for short-term visit visas that limit their stay in New Zealand, and those wanting to stay for longer have to leave the shores and apply for a fresh visa to return to their children and grandchildren.  

National’s immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says the visiting family members will need to carry their private health insurance and they would not be eligible for superannuation and other benefits.   

“Currently, parents and grandparents of migrants who are New Zealand permanent residents or citizens have limited options in visiting their children in New Zealand.

“National will introduce a multiple entry Parent Visa Boost valid for five years with renewal possible for a further five years to offer a flexible option for parents and grandparents to visit their family in New Zealand. 

“New Zealand needs to attract and retain skilled people, but other countries have more pro-parent visa options, making them more attractive options.”

She points out the proposed rules will offer an “innovative solution” for families of migrants to come to New Zealand without conferring the full rights of residence or citizenship. 

“Migrants entering on the multiple entry Parent Visa Boost must be sponsored by their children or grandchildren and would not be eligible for NZ Super or other entitlements. 
“Individuals would be required to carry health insurance for the duration of their stay and would need to pass standard Immigration New Zealand health and other requirements to receive their visa.

“Allowing parents and grandparents to live with their migrant children can help skilled people integrate better into New Zealand, helping with childcare, offering stability and emotional support.”

Stanford added the Labour government has weakened the immigration settings, visas were taking longer to process, and migrant exploitation “has exploded”. 

“National will get our immigration settings right - if we want to attract and retain skilled migrants, we need sensible solutions that make New Zealand more attractive without costing taxpayers.”