New Zealand has addressed visa application issues for Samoans by launching a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) that will operate for eight hours each day, a significant increase from the current one-hour service. This announcement was made by New Zealand Immigration (NZI) on Monday, following concerns regarding New Zealand’s ‘Treaty of Friendship’ in light of recent events involving the HMNZS Manawanui.
The new VAC is set to open on November 4, providing visa application services from Monday to Friday, between 9 AM and 4 PM. The existing NZI office in Apia, which currently operates for only one hour daily, will close on November 1.
The VAC aims to improve services for Samoan clients by allowing them to submit their visa applications more conveniently. However, this service comes with a fee of ST$90 per application for those applying in person.
Additionally, NZI announced a transitional plan for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) applications. The main office in Apia will accept RSE visa applications for two weeks from November 4 to November 18. After that period, all RSE applications will need to go through the VAC, incurring a service charge of ST$45 per application.
The new VAC will be located at Le Sanalele Complex on Taufusi Road and will require appointments made through the VFS Global website.
Local resident Taumua Tuivanu expressed relief at the news, recalling the difficulties his family faced with the previous visa application process. “It’s great that there will be an office available during business hours,” he said. He criticized the former system, noting how people had to wait outside the Apia office without proper seating or shade for just an hour each day. “This shows how our people have been treated as if we are still in colonial times,” he added.
Related topics:
- How Aurora and Springfield Fit into the US Immigration Debate: A Look at Other Cities Used as Political Examples
- How the Immigration Debate in the Election Could Impact Nevada’s Economy
- Buffalo Communities Unite Against Anti-Immigrant Election Messages
