New Zealand will grant 4,000 visas to relatives of citizens of Ukrainian origin

The New Zealand Government announced Tuesday that it will issue visas for a period of two years to some 4,000 relatives of New Zealand residents and citizens of Ukrainian origin, in response to the humanitarian crisis resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Under the measure, which is implemented as of today and will last for twelve months, temporary visa holders will be able to work in the ocean country, send their children to schools and enjoy other social benefits, according to the government statement.

The temporary visa is expected to favor parents, grandparents, siblings, adult children, or immediate relatives of some 1,600 Ukrainians who have permanent residence or New Zealand citizenship.

“This is the largest special visa category that has been implemented in decades (in New Zealand) to support an international humanitarian effort,” New Zealand Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said in the statement.

New Zealand has previously allowed visa extensions to Ukrainians whose permit expired before the end of the year and allowed Ukrainians with New Zealand visas to enter the country without waiting for the reopening of borders.

The New Zealand Government also announced that it allocated 4 million New Zealand dollars (2.7 million US dollars or 2.5 million euros) to humanitarian aid in Ukraine, which has resulted in the displacement of two million inhabitants following the Russian invasion since last month.

Yesterday, the New Zealand Government announced that new “significant” sanctions will be imposed on Russia, including oligarchs, individuals and companies responsible or associated with the invasion of Ukraine.

“A bill of this nature has never been submitted to our Parliament, but with Russia vetoing UN sanctions, we must act ourselves to support Ukraine and our partners in opposition to this invasion,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, as stated in the newspaper 'New Zealand Herald's.

Ardern explained that the sanctions will allow Russian assets to be frozen in New Zealand, prevent individuals and companies from moving their money and assets to the country, and prevent yachts, ships and planes from entering New Zealand waters or airspace.

“When we first responded to the invasion of Russia by issuing specific travel bans, banning exports to the army and suspending bilateral consultations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we said there were no options off the table,” the Prime Minister added.

Thus, he emphasized that “the bill also allows sanctions to be imposed against other states complicit in Russia's illegal actions, such as Belarus”.

Andern has expressed sadness for the Russian people and emphasized that sanctions should affect “decision makers” in Russia.

(With information from EFE)

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