The government of New Zealand announced this Tuesday that it will give visas for a period of two years to some four thousand relatives of New Zealand residents and citizens of Ukrainian origin, in response to the humanitarian crisis derived from the invasion of Russia to Ukraine.
Under the measure, which is implemented as of today and will be valid for twelve months, temporary visa holders will be able to work in the oceanic country, send their children to schools and enjoy other social benefits, according to the government statement.
The temporary visa is expected to favor parents, grandparents, siblings, adult children, or immediate relatives of some thousand 600 ukrainians who have permanent residence or citizenship of New Zealand.
“This is the largest special visa category to be implemented in decades (in New Zealand) to support an international humanitarian effort.”New Zealand Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said in the statement.
New Zealand has previously allowed visa extensions for Ukrainians whose visas expired before the end of the year and allowed Ukrainians with New Zealand visas to enter the country without waiting for the borders to reopen.
The New Zealand government also announced that it has allocated four million New Zealand dollars (2.7 million US dollars or 2.5 million euros) to humanitarian aid in Ukraine, which has caused the displacement of two million inhabitants after the Russian invasion since last month.