18 MARCH 2019

Priority visa processing for Christchurch shooting victims and their families

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will prioritise processing for the families of the people killed or injured in the mass shootings in Christchurch on Friday.

Acting Head of Immigration Steve McGill says INZ recognises that that is an incredibly difficult time for many people and there are a number of people both here in New Zealand and overseas who have been affected by the incident.

“INZ wants to make things as easy as possible for families to come to New Zealand to lay their loved ones to rest or to support their family members who have been injured,” Mr McGill says.

“These are unprecedented circumstances for everyone and INZ is committed to ensuring we do everything we can to support those who have been affected and make the visa application process as smooth as possible.”

INZ is also working through possible options for those on temporary visas who have been affected.

More information on the visa process and requirements for families of the victims of the mass shooting who are seeking New Zealand visas urgently can be found athttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/family-members-of-mosque-incident.

Individuals may also wish to phone our contact centre on a dedicated number 0508 22 52 88 (within New Zealand) or +64 9 952 1679 (for international callers). They can also contact their country’s foreign affairs office or ministry if they need further help.

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