Offshore SMC applications backlog
Tanya G made this Official Information request to Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
The request was refused by Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment.
From: Tanya G
Dear Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment,
I would like to know as follows
- How many offshore applications are currently pending since Jan 2019?
- How many have CO yet to be assigned for the same period?
- I understand since cross-border movements are on hold, the off-shore category is impacted. What is the plan to tackle the application backlog?
- Since average timeline for applications is now more than 18months, shouldn't these applications be also processes to avoid further delays?
There are several options NZ immigration could look at. For eg: Conditional approvals pending border opening, Job search visa start date only when border opens etc
Many people have there careers and life plans on hold. Could you pls advice?
Yours faithfully,
Tanya
From: Ministerial Services
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Ref: 2021-0589
Dear Tanya,
On behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment I
acknowledge your email of 13^th September 2020, requesting under the
Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:
“I would like to know as follows - How many offshore applications are
currently pending since Jan 2019? - How many have CO yet to be assigned
for the same period? - I understand since cross-border movements are on
hold, the off-shore category is impacted. What is the plan to tackle the
application backlog? - Since average timeline for applications is now more
than 18months, shouldn't these applications be also processes to avoid
further delays?”
Your request is being processed in accordance with the Act and a response
will be sent to you in due course.
Please note, due to ongoing COVID-19 response work, requests are currently
being triaged and those relating to Covid-19 processed as a priority.
Remaining requests are being assessed as per the Ombudsman’s guidance
(which can be found here:
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/news/chief-ombudsmans-statement-official-information-response-times-during-covid-19-emergency)
and processed accordingly.
If you have any enquiries regarding your request, or its urgency, feel
free to contact us via email at [2][MBIE request email].
Nâku noa, nâ
MINISTERIAL SERVICES
Corporate, Governance and Information
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Level 4, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140
NZBN 9429000106078
[3]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services
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References
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1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/news/...
2. mailto:[MBIE request email]
3. http://www.govt.nz/
From: Margaret Huang
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Dear Tanya,
On 14 September 2020, you asked the Ministry of Business Innovation and
Employment (MBIE) for information under the Official Information Act 1982
(the Act). Your request was made via the FYI website.
Section 12 of the Act provides that any person may make a request where
they are:
• a New Zealand citizen; or
• a permanent resident of New Zealand; or
• a person who is in New Zealand; or
• a body corporate which is incorporated in New Zealand; or
• a body corporate which is incorporated outside New Zealand but which has
a place of business in New Zealand.
MBIE requires more information to establish your compliance with section
12. An original of any one of the following items is acceptable as a
demonstration of your eligibility:
• A recent bill from the company who supplies your power, gas, water,
phone or internet services
• Council rates notice
• A letter from the Electoral Office
• Travel itinerary
• Anything from a government agency that includes your name and address
• Unexpired Rental or Tenancy Agreement.
A scanned copy of one of the above can be sent to
[1][email address]
Once MBIE receives this additional information from you, and is satisfied
that the requirements of section 12 have been met, we will acknowledge the
request and begin to consider it under the Act. If you do not meet the
eligibility criteria of section 12, MBIE will still consider your request.
Please respond by 22 September 2020. If you do not respond by 22 September
2020 your request will deemed to be withdrawn.
The 20 working days for making a decision on your request will begin from
the day MBIE receives confirmation of your eligibility or otherwise.
Kind regards,
Margaret Huang
BUSINESS ADVISOR
Operations Support, Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
[2][email address]
Level 1, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6011
[3]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services
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References
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1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[email address]
3. http://www.govt.nz/
From: Tanya G
Dear Margaret Huang,
Thank you for clarifying the criteria. Unfortunately, I do not meet the criteria under Section 12.
The request is simply to estimate what could timeline look like for an off-shore candidate. Given the investment of funds and resources put in, this information would help with planning life around.
And finally, some suggestions to consider such as
- Delayed visa start dates
- Conditional approvals for eg: approved until border opens
- 2 yr JSV etc.
I understand the unprecedented challenge faced by all countries at this juncture. And totally appreciate the time taken to consider such request.
Yours sincerely,
Tanya
From: Margaret Huang
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Dear Tanya G,
Please find our response to your OIA request attached.
Kind regards,
Margaret Huang
BUSINESS ADVISOR
Operations Support, Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
[1][email address]
Level 1, 15 Stout Street, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6011
[2]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services
show quoted sections
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://www.govt.nz/
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