17 January 2024
John Luke
[FYI request #25016 email]
DOIA 2324-1238
Tēnā koe John
Thank you for your email of 4 December 2023 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
(MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:
The embassies of eight of the 70 countries, namely the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy,
Brazil, South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand and Israel, have authorized China CITIC Bank as the
sole financial institution in the country to provide visa application fees payment and drop-off visa
services. Within 15 working days, the bank can help its clients receive a visa that is valid for two
to 10 years after they submitted application documents as required. Can you provide your
agreement or anything similar with China CITIC Bank with regards to this service arrangement.
Also, can you provide explanation on what it means of "Within 15 working days, the bank can
help its clients receive a visa that is valid for two to 10 years after they submitted application
documents as required." have you outsource the assessment to the China CITIC Bank?
Our Response
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) does not have a direct relationship with China CITIC bank and is not
aware of any such agreement. Therefore, your request is being refused under section 18(g)(i) of the Act
as the requested information is not held by MBIE and we have no grounds for believing it is held by
another department, interdepartmental venture or Minister of the Crown or organisation, or by a local
authority.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information
about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802
602.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, please contac
t [email address].
Nāku noa, nā
Jeannie Melville
Deputy Chief Operating Officer Immigration
Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
