While the New Zealand borders remain closed to most travellers who are not New Zealand citizens or residents, there are specific categories of people who are eligible to apply for a Border Exception to travel to and enter New Zealand.
Applicants who have received an offer of employment in a health or disability role and who meet the relevant criteria can lodge an Expression of Interest for Travel to New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand will then invite them to apply for a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa, which will enable them to travel to New Zealand as Critical Health Workers and commence their employment.
Travel to New Zealand - Managed Isolation and Quarantine
Most travellers who enter New Zealand are required to have a voucher confirming that they have booked a space in Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) before they are permitted to board their flight.
The Government has recognised that it’s crucial skilled health and disability workers are able to enter New Zealand and support the delivery of health services. The difficulty in obtaining a space in MIQ has meant that vital healthcare workers with job offers waiting for them have struggled to enter the country.
The Minister of Health stated “the Ministry of Health will have priority access to 300 MIQ rooms a month and will work with District Health Boards and Primary Health Organisations to allocate them to the people we need to get here the fastest.”
The new system, which will commence on November 1, will be available both to migrant health care workers, and to New Zealand health care workers returning home.
If you are a healthcare worker who is interested in living and working in New Zealand, please fill out the form here. Alternatively, you can contact your Licensed Immigration Adviser directly for assistance.
Borey Chum +64 (0) 277514276 borey.chum@migrationassociates.co.nz
Christine Yap +64 (0) 211740937 christine.yap@migrationassociates.co.nz
Michael Cooke +64 (0) 277514276 michael.cooke@migrationassociates.co.nz
Vivian Booth +64 (0) 211740937 vivian.booth@migrationassociates.co.nz