MIQ voucher for NZ seafarers working overseas
Capt Glen Boyes made this Official Information request to Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
The request was partially successful.
From: Capt Glen Boyes
Dear Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment,
In regards to not being able to get a voucher at short notice whilst working overseas as a "Key Worker" keeping supply lines open.
This leaves me in a predicament,
When we do crew change we are able to spend 48hrs in country of signing off vessel and quite often less than 24 hrs before flying to home country.
Question.
How do I get Flights without a voucher, ?
Being a NZ'er How do you stop me from being repatriated to NZ ?
It appears to be a "can of worms".
Remember shipping crews are classified as "Essential Workers".
I'am due to join my vessel in SE Asia 3rd Dec and extremely concerned about about repatriation to NZ as it is impossible to pre book a voucher for an unknown date.
Please advise how do I do this ?
Yours faithfully,
Capt Glen Boyes
From: Ministerial Services
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Ref: 2021-1068
Dear Capt Glen Boyes,
On behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment I
acknowledge your email of 25^th November 2020 requesting under the
Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:
In regards to not being able to get a voucher at short notice whilst
working overseas as a "Key Worker" keeping supply lines open. This leaves
me in a predicament, When we do crew change we are able to spend 48hrs in
country of signing off vessel and quite often less than 24 hrs before
flying to home country. Question. How do I get Flights without a voucher,
? Being a NZ'er How do you stop me from being repatriated to NZ ? It
appears to be a "can of worms". Remember shipping crews are classified as
"Essential Workers". I'am due to join my vessel in SE Asia 3rd Dec and
extremely concerned about about repatriation to NZ as it is impossible to
pre book a voucher for an unknown date. Please advise how do I do this ?
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of the
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. This message and any
files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the
intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or the person
responsible for delivery to the intended recipient, be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use is strictly
prohibited. Please contact the sender and delete the message and any
attachment from your computer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/news/...
2. mailto:[MBIE request email]
3. http://www.govt.nz/
hide quoted sections
From: Special Allocation Requests
Kia Ora
Thank you for your email received on the 25^th of November, please accept
our apologies for the delay responding.
As you are aware, there is heavy demand from New Zealanders for places in
managed isolation over the Christmas/summer period. We acknowledge that
this can be stressful for those wanting to travel at short notice who are
unable to obtain a voucher for their preferred date. There is an
emergency allocation process
([1]https://www.miq.govt.nz/travel-to-new-ze...)
where you are able to request a voucher in limited circumstances. If your
situation doesn't fit there, flights and travel plans are frequently
changing, and we recommend that you either continue checking the Managed
Isolation Allocation System for your preferred date or select an available
arrival date.
Ngā mihi,
MIQ team
________________________________________________________
Dear Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment,
In regards to not being able to get a voucher at short notice whilst
working overseas as a "Key Worker" keeping supply lines open. This leaves
me in a predicament, When we do crew change we are able to spend 48hrs in
country of signing off vessel and quite often less than 24 hrs before
flying to home country.
Question.
How do I get Flights without a voucher, ?
Being a NZ'er How do you stop me from being repatriated to NZ ?
It appears to be a "can of worms". Remember shipping crews are classified
as "Essential Workers".
I'am due to join my vessel in SE Asia 3rd Dec and extremely concerned
about about repatriation to NZ as it is impossible to pre book a voucher
for an unknown date.
Please advise how do I do this ?
Yours faithfully,
Capt Glen Boyes
[2]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of the
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. This message and any
files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the
intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or the person
responsible for delivery to the intended recipient, be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use is strictly
prohibited. Please contact the sender and delete the message and any
attachment from your computer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. https://www.miq.govt.nz/travel-to-new-ze...
2. http://www.govt.nz/
hide quoted sections
From: Capt Glen Boyes
Dear Special Allocation Requests,
How do I get a voucher at short notice for when signing off my vessel. Flights have to be arranged first to enable me to sigm of ship for immigration clearences and due to nature of shipping we only get very short notice for upcoming crew changes, In Covid climate this even more exacerbated.
The average period to enact crew changes is give or take 2 days with all formalities depending on which country you are cleared from.
Question, How can I get a MIQ voucher with very little lead time when I only have flights confirmed ( E Ticket) 1-2 days in advance. Your emergency Vouchers do not cover Seafarers working overseas keeping supply chains running.
I run the very real risk of being detained in a Foreign Country ( Often third world) because I cannot get a MIQ voucher and therefore cannot be repatriated. This will usually involve being detained by country authorities..
I have not only a professional but Moral obligation to keep supply chains running and are very disappointed NZ has no procedures for Seafarers like myself.that are at the " Coal Face" delivering supplies world wide.in this time of crisis.
I am far from an Isolated case.
Please read the questions and answer appropriately.
Have a Merry Xmas as it sure is not from myself and family back home .
Yours sincerely,
Capt Glen Boyes
From: Special Allocation Requests
Kia ora,
Thank you for your email to the Emergency Allocation Request inbox. If
your request meets the criteria for an Emergency Allocation we will
respond to you within 1 business day. Any other requests will be responded
to within 5 business days.
As you have applied for an Emergency Allocation Request, please ignore the
automated reminder from the Managed Isolation Allocation System requesting
flight details within 48 hours while your application is being processed.
Note: A Emergency Allocation Request is for when there is no availability
in the Managed Isolation Allocation System and you need to arrive on, or
by a certain date, due to an imminent threat to your life, or serious risk
to your health.
Ngā mihi,
MIQ team
[1]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of the
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. This message and any
files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the
intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or the person
responsible for delivery to the intended recipient, be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use is strictly
prohibited. Please contact the sender and delete the message and any
attachment from your computer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.govt.nz/
hide quoted sections
From: Special Allocation Requests
Kia Ora,
Our Emergency Allocation process runs 7 days a week and we do endeavour to
process applications for travel in the next 48 hours ahead of other
applications. We are unable to create a voucher without a confirmed flight
(the flight number is required for the voucher, or the airline can’t board
you).
As soon as you have your intended date of arrival into NZ, please submit
your application for an Emergency Allocation. Category 2c would apply if
you are unable to legally remain in your current location and have no
other option but to return to New Zealand.
Ngâ mihi
Emergency Allocation Team
------------------- Original Message -------------------
From: Capt Glen Boyes;
Received: Tue Dec 22 2020 17:49:38 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)
To: Special Allocation Requests; MIQ EAR;
Subject: Re: Official Information request - MIQ voucher for NZ seafarers
working overseas [UNCLASSIFIED]
Dear Special Allocation Requests,
How do I get a voucher at short notice for when signing off my vessel.
Flights have to be arranged first to enable me to sigm of ship for
immigration clearences and due to nature of shipping we only get very
short notice for upcoming crew changes, In Covid climate this even more
exacerbated.
The average period to enact crew changes is give or take 2 days with all
formalities depending on which country you are cleared from.
Question, How can I get a MIQ voucher with very little lead time when I
only have flights confirmed ( E Ticket) 1-2 days in advance. Your
emergency Vouchers do not cover Seafarers working overseas keeping supply
chains running.
I run the very real risk of being detained in a Foreign Country ( Often
third world) because I cannot get a MIQ voucher and therefore cannot be
repatriated. This will usually involve being detained by country
authorities..
I have not only a professional but Moral obligation to keep supply chains
running and are very disappointed NZ has no procedures for Seafarers like
myself.that are at the " Coal Face" delivering supplies world wide.in this
time of crisis.
I am far from an Isolated case.
Please read the questions and answer appropriately.
Have a Merry Xmas as it sure is not from myself and family back home .
Yours sincerely,
Capt Glen Boyes
-----Original Message-----
Kia Ora
Thank you for your email received on the 25^th of November, please accept
our apologies for the delay responding.
As you are aware, there is heavy demand from New Zealanders for places in
managed isolation over the Christmas/summer period. We acknowledge that
this can be stressful for those wanting to travel at short notice who are
unable to obtain a voucher for their preferred date. There is an
emergency allocation process
([1]https://www.miq.govt.nz/travel-to-new-ze...)
where you are able to request a voucher in limited circumstances. If
your
situation doesn't fit there, flights and travel plans are frequently
changing, and we recommend that you either continue checking the Managed
Isolation Allocation System for your preferred date or select an
available
arrival date.
Ngâ mihi,
MIQ team
________________________________________________________
Dear Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment,
In regards to not being able to get a voucher at short notice whilst
working overseas as a "Key Worker" keeping supply lines open. This leaves
me in a predicament, When we do crew change we are able to spend 48hrs in
country of signing off vessel and quite often less than 24 hrs before
flying to home country.
Question.
How do I get Flights without a voucher, ?
Being a NZ'er How do you stop me from being repatriated to NZ ?
It appears to be a "can of worms". Remember shipping crews are
classified
as "Essential Workers".
I'am due to join my vessel in SE Asia 3rd Dec and extremely concerned
about about repatriation to NZ as it is impossible to pre book a voucher
for an unknown date.
Please advise how do I do this ?
Yours faithfully,
Capt Glen Boyes
[2]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services
References
Visible links
1.
[1]https://www.miq.govt.nz/travel-to-new-ze...
2. [2]http://www.govt.nz/
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #14199 email]
Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[3]https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers
If you find this service useful as an Official Information officer, please
ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's OIA or LGOIMA
page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
[4]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of the
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. This message and any
files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the
intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or the person
responsible for delivery to the intended recipient, be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use is strictly
prohibited. Please contact the sender and delete the message and any
attachment from your computer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. https://www.miq.govt.nz/travel-to-new-ze...
2. http://www.govt.nz/
3. https://fyi.org.nz/help/officers
4. http://www.govt.nz/
hide quoted sections
From: Capt Glen Boyes
Dear Special Allocation Requests,
January 22, 2021
This is a letter directed to Maritime NZ, But also needs to be directed to yourselves as there appears to be very little communication between Governmental Agencies dealing with the matter. Please see below and the request still stands as to why we can not get automatic entry into NZ by useing a Seamans Book instead of a nearly impossible Voucher. This is why we MUST carry Seamans Books along with getting a special Seafarers eTicket. Ease of entry due to nature of work and keeping suply chains running.
In regards to IMO declaring Seafarers are key workers and NZ signing the same.
Then how come NZ seafarers working overseas are refused entry into NZ because of the impossibility of getting a voucher at short notice due to the very nature of being a seafarer?
https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Press...
Why has MNZ not followed the Protocols outlined above even though they have agreed to Seafarers as Key workers?
https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/covid/doc...
https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/covid/doc...
A very simple solution would be to allow NZ seafarers working overseas to Board a plane " with out a MIQ Voucher" by producing their Seamans Book and / Or crew list.
It is nearly impossible to get Voucher at short notice and due to the nature of crew changes nearly impossible in current COVID crisis.
I Have also written to MBIE but need to understand why MNZ has not followed the Protocols as per IMO even though being a signatory?
https://fyi.org.nz/request/14199-miq-vou...
I am far from being an Isolated case in "keeping supply lines operating" in being a seaman from NZ.
Yours sincerely,
Capt Glen Boyes
From: Special Allocation Requests
Kia ora,
Thank you for your email to the Emergency Allocation Request inbox. We
will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible.
We are receiving a high volume of applications at present, we will have a
reduced team working over the holiday period. Thank you for your patience
as we process your request.
We can only process applications with the appropriate evidence and that
are within 7 days of the date of travel.
We advise you continue checking the Managed Isolation Allocation System
(MIAS) as new vouchers are becoming available regularly.
Ngā mihi,
Emergency Allocations Team
Managed Isolation and Quarantine
[1]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of the
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. This message and any
files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the
intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or the person
responsible for delivery to the intended recipient, be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use is strictly
prohibited. Please contact the sender and delete the message and any
attachment from your computer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.govt.nz/
hide quoted sections
From: Capt Glen Boyes
Dear Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment,
Good day sir / Ma'am.
When will I get a response to my answers outlines above..
When will New Zealand reognise Seafarers as "Key Workers"
Looking forward a reply.
Yours faithfully,
Capt Glen Boyes
From: Capt Glen Boyes
Dear Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment,
Quote" the notion of force majeure may no longer be invoked from the moment that options are available to comply with the provisions of the MLC, 2006, although more difficult or cumbersome, and urges ratifying States which have not yet done so, to adopt all necessary measures without delay to restore the protection of seafarers’ rights and comply to the fullest extent with their obligations under the MLC, 2006."
https://safety4sea.com/ilo-governments-b...
https://www.ilo.org/global/standards/mar...
https://www.ics-shipping.org/press-relea...
With NZ being a signatory to these conventions then please answer my original request.
Why NZ seafarers are NOT classed as Key Workers and why NO allocation has been provided to secure a MIQ Voucher at short notice.
I have already outlined the "simple" solution previously.
Yours faithfully,
Capt Glen Boyes
Capt Glen Boyes left an annotation ()
https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en...(Covid-19)%20-%20Joint%20Statement%20Calling%20On%20All%20GovernmentsTo%20Prioritize%20Covid-19...%20(Secretariat).pdf
https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en...(Covid%2019)%20-%20Who%20E-Learning%20Courses%20On%20PromotingPublic%20Health%20Measures.pdf
https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en...
https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en...
From: Ministerial Services
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Ref: 2021-1970
Dear Capt. Glen Boyes,
On behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment I
acknowledge your email of 25^th of March 2021 requesting under the
Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:
“With NZ being a signatory to these conventions then please answer my
original request.
Why NZ seafarers are NOT classed as Key Workers and why NO allocation has
been provided to secure a MIQ Voucher at short notice.”
Your request is being processed in accordance with the Act and a response
will be sent to you in due course.
If you have any enquiries regarding your request, or its urgency, feel
free to contact us via email at [1][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
[2]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of the
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. This message and any
files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the
intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or the person
responsible for delivery to the intended recipient, be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use is strictly
prohibited. Please contact the sender and delete the message and any
attachment from your computer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[MBIE request email]
2. http://www.govt.nz/
hide quoted sections
From: *OIA
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
Good afternoon,
Please see attached a response to your 27 April 2021 request under the
Official Information Act to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment.
Regards,
Ministerial Services
Engagement, Communications and Ministerial Services
Email: [1][email address]
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
15 Stout Street, Wellington, PO Box 1473, Wellington 6140
[2]www.mbie.govt.nz
[3]cid:image002.png@01D4E54B.F74C55F0
[4]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of the
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. This message and any
files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the
intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or the person
responsible for delivery to the intended recipient, be advised that you
have received this message in error and that any use is strictly
prohibited. Please contact the sender and delete the message and any
attachment from your computer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://www.mbie.govt.nz/
4. http://www.govt.nz/
hide quoted sections
Things to do with this request
- Add an annotation (to help the requester or others)
- Download a zip file of all correspondence
Offensive? Unsuitable?
Requests for personal information and vexatious requests are not considered valid requests for Official Information (read more).
If you believe this request is not suitable, you can report it for attention by the site administrators
Report this requestAct on what you've learnt
Similar requests
Entry to New Zealand by transit passengers
To Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment by Harry Tothill
Foreigners Arriving in MIQ: January 2022
To Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment by Matthew Hooton
Capt Glen Boyes left an annotation ()
https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/HotTo...
https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Press...
https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en...(Covid-19)%20-%20Recommended%20Framework%20Of%20Protocols.pdf
Link to this