The Indian Weekender, 14 May 2021

4 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, May 14, 2021
The Indian Weekender
TRAVEL RESTRICTION FROM INDIA: Human
Rights Commission asks govt why permanent
residents are prevented from re-entering NZ
IWK BUREAU
The Human Rights Commission is urging
government for more transparency
on the decision preventing re-entry of
permanent residents in New Zealand.
Acknowledging government’s latest decision
on lifting travel ban from India for New Zealand
citizens, the Commission pointed out that the
permanent residents also have right to live in
New Zealand indefinitely therefore urging for
regular review into restrictions that remain for
permanent residents, and greater assistance for
New Zealanders stuck overseas.
“The restoration of travel is consistent with
citizens’ right to return home from India under
the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990
and international law,” Chief Human Rights
Commissioner Paul Hunt said.
After lifting travel restrictions for citizens
from India, the Government has introduced
a new ‘very high risk’ category of countries–
at this stage being India, Papua New Guinea,
Brazil and Pakistan.
Travellers from ‘very high risk’ countries
can now only enter New Zealand if they are
New Zealand citizens, or partners, parents
and children of New Zealand citizens.
Very significantly, permanent residents are
now excluded.
“The Government has an obligation to
provide ongoing justification for why permanent
residents are being prevented from re-entering
New Zealand from these countries, and how
this decision will be regularly reviewed.”
Permanent residents can live in New Zealand
indefinitely. They are eligible to enrol and?vote
in general elections, can access New Zealand
benefits and pensions, free or subsidised health
services, and are entitled to free primary and
secondary schooling.
Until this recent change, permanent
residents and most resident visa-holders have
been allowed to re-enter New Zealand (aside
from under the temporary travel restriction in
respect of India).
The Commission is urging the Government
to make known the process and regular review
dates of the ‘very high risk’ category of
countries, which is especially important if these
designations continue for some time.
“It may be lawful that such measures can
be taken to restrict permanent residents’
ability to travel home if it is
proportionate to the public
health risk, however, we call
for ongoing transparency
around the justification for
this change and the numbers
of people who continue
to be affected.”
“While acknowledging the importance
of keeping New Zealand borders safe and
protecting front line staff, the Government
also has international law obligations to
permanent residents for whom New Zealand is
their home.”
Permanent residents from ‘very-high risk’
countries can re-enter New Zealand through a
third country (if they have been there for more
"While
acknowledging
the importance of
keeping New Zealand
borders safe and protecting
front line staff, the Government
also has international law
obligations to permanent
residents for whom New
Zealand is their
home"
than 14 days), but this appears very difficult in
the current travel environment.
“I urge the Government to assist New
Zealanders in ‘very high risk’ countries to
get home, similar to the repatriation efforts
undertaken last year, including through
chartering flights and prioritising managed
isolation and quarantine spots for those affected
by these recent restrictions.”
The Commission is awaiting to receive a
response from the Minister for COVID-19
Response about the initial travel restrictions
relating to India, including in relation to the
capacity of New Zealand’s quarantine facilities,
and support provided to those affected
by the restrictions.
“We strongly encourage
the Government to keep
the communities in New
Zealand and abroad most
affected by this new
category of countries
well-informed of the
Government’s reasoning and
decisions. Government and
communities must be in close
communication.”
“It should not be assumed that all New
Zealand citizens and permanent residents, who
are now urgently seeking to return home, left
New Zealand after the pandemic emerged.
Moreover, many of those who left New
Zealand after the pandemic became widespread
only did so for compelling and upsetting family
reasons,” Mr Hunt said.
Eid Mubarak to
all Muslim Kiwis
celebrating
Eid-ul-Fitr
Hon Judith Collins
National Party Leader
Leader of the Opposition
judithcollinsmp • judithcollins.co.nz
Authorised by Judith Collins MP, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.