ACT says it aims to bring 'balance' to the country's immigration system
New Zealand's ACT Party is proposing physical presence requirements under the Resident Visa scheme in a bid to bring "balance" to the country's immigration system.
The proposal, unveiled on Tuesday, will scrap the existing Permanent Resident Visa category and reform the current Resident Visa to require all visa holders to receive a five-year travel facility, replacing the current two-year initial travel condition.
"ACT will bring balance to New Zealand's immigration system by introducing physical presence requirements for permanent residents, ensuring visa holders have a genuine commitment to our country," said Parmjeet Parmar, ACT's immigration spokesperson, in a statement.
To maintain the travel facility required, visa holders will need to be physically present in New Zealand for at least 730 days or two years within any rolling five-year period.
"The 730 days would not need to be continuous, but the indefinite, unconditional right to leave and re-enter the country would be removed," Parmar said.
"This ensures that those who want the ability to travel to New Zealand as residents must continue to demonstrate a meaningful connection with our country."
Exemptions will be provided for people working overseas for New Zealand employers, accompanying family members, military personnel serving overseas, and those with a citizen spouse, or other compelling humanitarian reasons, according to the ACT's immigration spokesperson.
The party unveiled the proposal as it called out the "nearly identical everyday rights" between permanent residence and citizenship.
"By introducing standard travel conditions, we create an evident distinction, giving people a reason to graduate to citizenship," Parmar said.
"This change ensures that permanent residence reflects a genuine, ongoing commitment to New Zealand."
The proposed model will also better align New Zealand with the immigration policies of Australia, Canada, and Singapore.
"ACT's plan encourages migrants who choose to make New Zealand their permanent home to continue actively living and contributing here, while also ensuring a fair system for all taxpayers," Parmar said.
