ACT proposes time in NZ requirement for permanent residents

ACT says if elected it would introduce physical presence requirements for permanent residents.

Currently, a Permanent Resident Visa lets you live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely, and travel in and out of the country without restrictions.

People can apply for this if they've held a Resident Visa for at least two years, met its conditions, shown a committment to the country, and met character requirements.

ACT's Immigration spokesperson Parmjeet Parmar said the party would propose to change New Zealand's residence system by removing the existing Permanent Resident Visa category, and changing the existing Resident Visa to see holders to receive a five-year travel facility, replacing the current two-year initial travel condition.

Parmar said the proposed model would "better align New Zealand with countries that have comparable immigration systems. (Source: 1News)

"To maintain the travel facility, visa holders would need to be physically present in New Zealand for at least 730 days (2 years) within any rolling five-year period," she said.

"The 730 days would not need to be continuous, but the indefinite, unconditional right to leave and re-enter the country would be removed. This ensures that those who want the ability to travel to New Zealand as residents must continue to demonstrate a meaningful connection with our country.

"There will be exemptions for individuals working overseas for New Zealand employers, accompanying family members, military personnel serving overseas, and those with a citizen spouse, or other compelling humanitarian reasons."

Parmar said the proposed model would "better align New Zealand with countries that have comparable immigration systems like Australia, Canada and Singapore, where permanent residence requires an ongoing connection through physical presence or substantial ties.

"This would also create a clearer answer to the question, what is the difference between permanent residence and citizenship? Right now, the two have nearly identical everyday rights. By introducing standard travel conditions, we create an evident distinction, giving people a reason to graduate to citizenship.

"New Zealand is, and should be, a welcoming country for migrants, but the privileges of permanent residence must reflect a real and lasting connection to our nation.

She said ACT's plan would encourage migrants who choose to make New Zealand their permanent home to continue actively living and contributing here, while also ensuring a fair system for all taxpayers.