Tçnâ koe Irene  

 

Thank you for your email of 13 March 2024 to the Ministry of Business,
Innovation and Employment requesting, under the Official Information Act
1982, the following information:  

 

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request detailed
information regarding the General Visa application process for Iranian
nationals seeking entry to New Zealand. As part of my research, I am
particularly interested in understanding the reasons behind both approvals
and denials of visa applications from September 2022 to the present day.

 

Background and Purpose: My inquiry stems from a personal situation
involving a relative who recently applied twice for a New Zealand visa and
was unfairly denied both times. Given the geopolitical context and the
economic potential associated with Iranian visitors, I believe it is
crucial to examine the decision-making process thoroughly. Furthermore, I
am investigating any potential instances of discrimination against Iranian
passport holders during the visa application process.

 

Specific Information Requested:

 

Visa Application Process: Please provide a step-by-step breakdown of the
visa application process for Iranian nationals. Include details on
required documentation, eligibility criteria, and any additional
considerations specific to this group.

Approval and Denial Factors: I kindly request information on the factors
that influence visa decisions. Specifically, I am interested in
understanding why certain applicants were granted entry while others were
denied. If possible, please highlight any patterns or trends observed
during this period.

 

Economic Impact Considerations: Given that visa holders contribute
significantly to New Zealand’s economy, I would appreciate insights into
how the economic impact of each application was assessed. Specifically,
how were potential contributions to the tourism sector and overall
economic growth factored into the decision-making process?

 

Instances of Discrimination: While I understand that visa decisions are
multifaceted, I would like to know if there have been any documented cases
of discrimination against Iranian passport holders. If so, please provide
details and any corrective measures taken.

 

Confidentiality and Research Purpose: I assure you that the information
gathered will be used solely for research purposes. As an academic
undertaking, my goal is to promote transparency and fairness within the
immigration system.

 

Should you require any further clarification, please feel free to contact
me via email.

 

Before we proceed with your request, we ask that you please clarify the
following are you requesting the visa application process for a Visitor
Visa – General

Please respond to this email by Friday 22 March 2024.

Please note any clarification or amendment of a request may be considered
to be a new request for the purpose of calculating the maximum statutory
timeframe for response (see section [15(1AA) of the Act).

 

Ngâ mihi,

Toni

Ministerial Services Team,

Associate Deputy Secretary Branch, Immigration New Zealand

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

15 Stout Street, PO BOX 1473, Wellington 6140

 

NZBN 9429000106078

 

 

Kia ora Irene

Thank you for your email of 13 March 2024 to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act), the following:

1. Visa Application Process: Please provide a step-by-step breakdown of the visa application process for Iranian nationals. Include details on required documentation, eligibility criteria, and any additional considerations specific to this group.

2. Approval and Denial Factors: I kindly request information on the factors that influence visa decisions.

3. Specifically, I am interested in understanding why certain applicants were granted entry while others were denied. If possible, please highlight any patterns or trends observed during this period.

4. Economic Impact Considerations: Given that visa holders contribute significantly to New Zealand's economy, I would appreciate insights into how the economic impact of each application was assessed. Specifically, how were potential contributions to the tourism sector and overall economic growth factored into the decision-making process?

5. Instances of Discrimination: While I understand that visa decisions are multifaceted, I would like to know if there have been any documented cases of discrimination against Iranian passport holders. If so, please provide details and any corrective measures taken.

Our Response

Question 1. Visa Application Process: Please provide a step-by-step breakdown of the visa application process for Iranian nationals. Include details on required documentation, eligibility criteria, and any additional considerations specific to this group.

The information requested by you is available on the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website. Please see the below links for more information.

* Web link for Visa Process overview: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zeal...
* Web link for How we process visa application: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us...

All visa applications are assessed against the criteria set out in the immigration instructions for the visa the applicant has applied for.

Question 2. Approval and Denial Factors: I kindly request information on the factors that influence visa decisions.

Visa applications will be approved if all immigration instructions applied to the visa category are met. Otherwise, an application may be declined.

Question 3. Specifically, I am interested in understanding why certain applicants were granted entry while others were denied. If possible, please highlight any patterns or trends observed during this period.

Information on arriving in New Zealand can be found at the below link:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zeal...
Applicants can still be refused entry into New Zealand even after arrival. Refused entry reasons include:
* refusal to complete an arrival card or traveller declaration
* providing false or misleading information on any part of your arrival card or traveller declaration
* refusing to let an immigration officer take a photo, fingerprints or an iris scan
* possess controlled or prohibited substances, or plan to import them, without proper authority
* do not follow instructions given by us or other border agencies including the New Zealand Customs Service, Biosecurity New Zealand or the New Zealand Police.

Information on being denied boarding to travel to New Zealand can be found at the below link:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us...

Question 4. Economic Impact Considerations: Given that visa holders contribute significantly to New Zealand's economy, I would appreciate insights into how the economic impact of each application was assessed. Specifically, how were potential contributions to the tourism sector and overall economic growth factored into the decision-making process.

A visa application is assessed based on the information provided to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the criteria of the visa being applied for. When assessing a visa application, INZ takes a holistic approach to ensure the assessment is fair and unbiased. To see the details of the particular requirements for each specific visa category, please see this link:

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zeal....
Question 5. Instances of Discrimination: While I understand that visa decisions are multifaceted, I would like to know if there have been any documented cases of discrimination against Iranian passport holders. If so, please provide details and any corrective measures taken.

All applications will be assessed fairly to determine whether they meet, or do not meet, the requirements of the visa being applied for. All visa and immigration officers must act on the principles of fairness and natural justice when assessing and deciding an application.

INZ does not hold any information relating to the number of documented cases of discrimination against Iranian passport holders, therefore this part of your request is refused under section 18(g) of the Act, as the information requested is not held by the department or venture or Minister of the Crown or organisation and the person dealing with the request has no grounds for believing that the information is held by any other department.

More information on visa applications from Iranian passport holders can be found here:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us...

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of the Ministry's response to your request, in accordance with section 28(3) of the Act. Information about how to make a complaint is available at http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/ or freephone 0800 802 602.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of your request or this response, please contact [email address].

Regards
INZ OIAs

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