New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said that extending visa-free travel to Pacific Island nations is currently not a government priority. Instead, the administration is focusing on investor and workforce visas.
This position comes in response to a petition launched by the Green Party, advocating for visa-free access for Pacific Islanders. Green Party spokesperson for Pacific Peoples, Teanau Tuiono, argues that such a move would strengthen regional ties. He notes that visitors from 60 countries can enter New Zealand without a visa, yet none are Pacific nations.
Tuiono emphasizes the importance of these connections, especially given current geopolitical dynamics. He believes that fairer immigration policies would nurture relationships with neighboring Pacific countries.
However, immigration experts caution against this change, citing a high risk of overstaying among Pacific visitors.
Despite these concerns, the Green Party continues to push for policy changes, urging the government to recognize the contributions of Pacific communities to New Zealand’s society and economy.
As the debate unfolds, the government remains committed to its current immigration priorities, leaving the prospect of visa-free travel for Pacific Islanders uncertain.
