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New Zealand Makes
Submission on British Visa Proposal
New Zealand has made a formal submission to the British
government on proposals to limit short- term visa arrangements, Prime
Minister Helen Clark said on Sunday.
At the moment, New Zealanders can enter Britain visa-free for up to six
months for tourism or business purposes. New Zealand film crews and
academics can currently enter Britain visa-free for up to 12 months.
The British government proposes to limit all these short-term visas to
three months as part of sweeping changes to its immigration system.
Clark said a reduction in the length of time New Zealand citizens can
visit without seeking a visa would be of "serious concern",
and have implications for many New Zealanders visiting Britain.
"Our two countries have a unique relationship, and New Zealanders
should not be disadvantaged due to concerns about nationals from other
countries," Radio New Zealand quote her as saying.
New Zealand will also be making representations to the Home Office
shortly in relation to the suggestion that the ancestry visa be
abolished.
Clark said that visa rules should be set on a country-by- country basis.
2008-03-17 |
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