From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 30s
Immigration pledges ahead of election
Parties outline visa changes, asylum rules and Pacific travel for 2026 election.
In brief
Parties outline visa changes, asylum rules and Pacific travel for 2026 election. NZ First, Labour, Greens and others propose immigration reforms including work visa flexibility, asylum caps and trans-Tasman travel trials ahead of 2026 election. Originally reported by RNZ.
Immigration pledges ahead of election
Parties outline visa changes, asylum rules and Pacific travel for 2026 election.
Work visa flexibility proposals
Labour, Act and NZ First want to change permanent residency rules to make it longer to achieve and ensure people are well-settled.
Residence pathways for overstayers
Green Party and Te Pāti Māori would create residence pathways for those with expired visas while NZ First offers a 24-month clemency period for Pacific overstayers.
Trans-Tasman travel trial
National proposes a digital passport trial for citizens travelling between New Zealand and Australia ahead of the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Pacific visa-free movement
Greens, Te Pāti Māori and Labour prioritize visa-free movement with Pacific countries.
New Zealand First's immigration policy
NZ First wants to rein in asylum seekers by not allowing work visa arrivals to claim asylum and create a 10-year welfare stand-down period for non-citizens.
“We are importing poverty. You know, that is literally where we've ended up.”
Food bank concerns
Salvation Army says they don't track food bank clients' residency status but NZ First links migrant exploitation to food bank usage.
Immigration policy proposals
ACT wants an overstayer enforcement unit, while Greens propose climate change displacement legislation and NZ First requires immigration minister to be a MP.
What matters most
NZ First, Labour, Greens and others propose immigration reforms including work visa flexibility, asylum caps and trans-Tasman travel trials ahead of 2026 election.
