Editorial Two
Issue 426 November 1, 2019
The decision of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to make changes to the Parent Visa regime has sent ripples of anxiety and anger among some members of the Indian community.
While the reopening of the Parent Visa Category, suspended by the National Government in 2016 comes as a relief to many, the capping of numbers and the financial components are seen as signs of disappointment.
The changes will come into effect as the Category recommences sometime next year, probably effective March or April 2020.
Indian Newslink has received angry phone calls and emails.
But a dispassionate analysis of what is in store is in order.
Firstly, it would be wrong to think that the Parent Visa Category targets the Indian community as suggested in some quarters. It would have the same pact among the members of all communities including those of European origin.
Over-riding factors
Some of the changes being affected are that the total number of visas issued during a year will be capped at 1000 and the application of a single-tier system instead of two.
INZ will calculate median income as $53,040. Based on this, a New Zealand resident or citizen sponsoring their parent must have a gross annual income of $106,080 for one parent, rising to $159,120 for both parents.
Sponsors using the income of both parents should be earning $159,120 to apply for one parent’s visa and earn $212,160 to sponsor both parents.
The new regime would not expect funds to be brought by parents to live here. The responsibility would be that of the sponsors in New Zealand.
Write to us
We would like to hear the views of our readers if they consider the above decisions are acceptable to them.
There is a need to exercise honest introspection here.
Please write to us. Your views will help us to develop a Strategic Paper that can be put out for public consultation.
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