New Zealand’s increase in visa fees is something that was not expected. In some cases, the fees have doubled and in others, they cost more than two times before.

New Zealand remains the number one destination Samoans fly out to. The connection between the two nations stretches to the colonial era. Samoans comprise the third highest population in Aotearoa and Gagana Samoa is the third most spoken language.

This means that travel between the two countries is a regular feature. Most New Zealand-based Samoans make annual trips to be part of family gatherings. Figures from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics show that Samoans from New Zealand account for the greatest number of people visiting our shores.

The reciprocal visiting trend is for Samoans to travel to New Zealand to be part of family events, funerals and weddings. In many cases getting a visa to travel for holiday purposes is the hardest thing to do. Samoans have endured long waits and so much bureaucratic red tape.

Sometimes people keep waiting for a visa for three months and then end up missing out on the event they are preparing for.

According to the New Zealand government, the increase is in its effort to “improve the immigration system to ensure it is efficient, self-funding and sustainable”.

Immigration N.Z. says from 1 October the new visa charges will be set at “an appropriate level to recover the costs of processing a visa and reflect the benefits received by people using immigration services”.

“Immigration makes a vital contribution to New Zealand’s economy, workforce and community,” said the NZ government.

“It reunites friends and families, provides employers with access to key skills and capital, contributes to New Zealand’s international and humanitarian commitments, and supports the security and integrity of our border.

“It is appropriate that those using and benefiting from the immigration system cover the costs of running it.”

Immigration N.Z. added its ongoing commitment to supporting its Pacific neighbours will see the continuation of subsidised fees for visa applicants from Pacific countries.

The new visa prices that come into effect from 1 October 2024 are: Visitor visa will be $363.40, up 26.3 per cent from $287.60, Skilled Residence will be $9,137.50 up 35 per cent from $6,760.70 while the Family Category is up 75 per cent, costing $8095.00 from $4,625.50.

The Student Visa will cost $900.30 from $529.80, up by 69.8 per cent. The Working Holiday category is not applicable to Samoa.

While that is what the New Zealand government says, the perception from the ground is that things have been made harder for people to make visa applications. Higher fees could result in lesser people applying for visas.

However, there is no word from the New Zealand government on how they aim to improve service delivery at the local immigration office. New Zealand remains a friend under the Treaty of Friendship and there were hopes that visa-free travel would eventuate this year or the next, but there is no indication that would happen.

The ruling political party in New Zealand does not even support the bill that would give justice to a cohort of Samoans deprived of their Kiwi citizenships in 1982, it would seem highly unlikely Samoa would have visa-free travel to New Zealand anytime soon.

While this announcement has been made, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters is touring the Pacific. He said New Zealand has an important role to play in keeping the Pacific region on a peaceful pathway.

He said the coalition government is deeply committed to the Pacific and to ensuring Aotearoa has the connections and relationships to help the region succeed. Actions speak louder than words. More than aid is needed for the Pacific people.

In a response to the Samoa Observer article on the new visa prices, the 

The New Zealand government says their ongoing commitment to supporting its Pacific neighbours will see the continuation of subsidised fees for visa applicants who are citizens of Pacific countries and apply offshore.

“This is to recognise New Zealand’s special relationship with Pacific Island countries and to take account of the lower income levels of Pacific migrants, fee and levy rates continue to be set lower than for visa applicants from other countries,” said a spokesperson.

“New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) sought feedback from some Pacific governments on the changes and as a result, Pacific Fee Band Rates will increase by only 25 percent of the amount necessary to fully recovery estimated costs.

“Further, in recognition of the Treaty of Friendship with Samoa, Samoa citizens are also exempt from paying an immigration levy for resident visa applications (set out in immigration visa regulations). This further reduces the impact of price increases for Samoan citizens.”

New Zealand and Australia need more engagements with the Pacific Island Forum to have a better travel plan.

Hopefully, this will be up for discussion at the Leaders Forum.