ACT’s new immigration policy to put ‘reside’ back in ‘resident’

“ACT will bring balance to New Zealand’s immigration system by introducing physical presence requirements for permanent residents, ensuring visa holders have a genuine commitment to our country,” says ACT’s Immigration spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar.

“The strangest immigration policy we have is that permanent residents don’t have to be permanently resident.

"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.

“ACT is proposing to change New Zealand’s residence system. Under our policy, the existing Permanent Resident Visa category will be removed, and the existing Resident Visa changed to require all Resident Visa holders to receive a 5 year travel facility, replacing the current 2 year initial travel condition. 

“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. 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.

“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. 

"This change ensures that permanent residence reflects a genuine, ongoing commitment to New Zealand.

“To unlock New Zealand’s potential, there needs to be a balance between rights and responsibilities. ACT’s plan encourages 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.”