New Zealand Immigration Lottery
New Zealand ready to welcome Pacific migrants
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that citizens of Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Fiji could register for New Zealand’s immigration ballot under the ‘Samoan Quota’ and ‘Pacific Access’ (PAC) Category.
Many consider this a New Zealand immigration lottery scheme
Each year, up to 1100 Samoan citizens, 250 Tongan citizens, 250 citizens of Fiji and 75 citizens from Kiribati and Tuvalu are selected by ballot to be considered for residence in New Zealand.
Fijians have been included after a long gap, since Fiji was under sanction following the military coup on December 5, 2006. Even though 250 appear to be modest number, the actual number of residents would be higher because applicants are allowed to include their spouses and dependent children.
The procedure
Those interested must use the prescribed forms (the Samoan Quota Scheme Registration Form (INZ 1086) the Pacific Access Category Registration Form (INZ 1092) and follow the instructions. It is important to ensure that the required information and documents accompany the application.
Citizens of the aforementioned countries already resident in New Zealand should hold proper documents including a valid visa and be in the 18 to 45 years age group to be eligible to apply for permanent residence through this New Zealand immigration lottery.
Job offer please
Those chosen in the ballot will enter the second stage of the selection process. These applicants would have eight months to lodge the application along with a job offer.
The reality is that if your registration has been successful, then it becomes a family application under which the spouse and dependent children can be included. However, there could be multiple registrants from one family in the ballot, thereby increasing the chances of selection.
The registration fee of $70 is very modest.
Good neighbour
New Zealand has always had good relations with its Pacific neighbours and this annual quota is a visual testament. Auckland is one of the largest cosmopolitan cities in the world, also accounting for a large Pacific population. Cultural and religious diversity makes Auckland a unique city, attracting international festivals, conferences, shows and events.
Are other cities in New Zealand ready to accept new migrants?
Is the government’s response rate in place?
Will the newcomers be appreciative and mindful of what is on offer and assimilate into the society or try to recreate another Asia, Pacific, Africa or Europe?
Like most things in life, time will tell.
