Auckland (Kanwalpreet Kaur) - The government announced the "New vaccination requirement for non-citizen travellers to New Zealand" on 3rd October 2021.
It was noted that there was confusion on the definition of the 'non-citizen traveller'. Therefore, NZ Punjabi News contacted the office of the Minister of Immigration and the office of Hon. Chris Hipkins for the clarification. We asked, "Can the post-study work visa holders stuck offshore (particularly in India) for the last 18 months return to NZ from 1st November if they are fully vaccinated?"
NZ Punjabi News received the following response from the Minister of Immigration office:
Post-study work visa holders would still need to have a border exception to come into New Zealand. Yesterday's vaccination requirements don't change that.
In addition, the below response was received regarding vaccination.
The requirement for full vaccination upon arrival will apply for non-New Zealand citizens, which would include temporary visa holders and permanent residents. The requirement will not apply to New Zealand citizens, children under the age of 17, and those who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons.
As you linked to below, the Minister's press release yesterday also further outlines those who will be exempt from the requirement:
RSE workers coming to NZ as part of the one-way QFT arrangement with Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu will also be exempt due to existing vaccination requirements, as will refugees.
There will also be a process to seek exemptions from the Director General of Health on humanitarian grounds, or where people travelling with New Zealand citizens have not had the opportunity to be vaccinated within the timeframes.