165 thousand migrants in NZ get in return but offshore migrants seem to be forgotten though we still want to go back NZ. We spent so much time, money in NZ, all our belongings are in NZ. But now we stuck outside of NZ for more than 500 days with the depths of despair and facing the uncertainty of future. It’s time for us to get an answer! There is no reason for us to be abandoned because of the pandemic. The new immigration policy should take our presence into account. NZ government should treat us the same as the 165 thousand migrants in NZ and make fair arrangements.
We are here urge the New Zealand government and New Zealand immigration to make fair arrangements for offshore work visa holders:
1. Give the offshore work visa holders priority to go back NZ ASAP if we already take the vaccine which have been approved by the WHO.
2. The period of time when people are stuck overseas and unable to return to New Zealand due to COVID-19 should be extended for the same period as the border-closure period. From 03/2020 until the time border releases to all the work visa holders, including work visas have expired during the epidemic.
3. Allow offshore work visa holders have the same right to apply for 2021 resident visa.
From the time offshore work visa holders can re-enter New Zealand, we will remain in New Zealand until the completion of the compensation 2-year visa, which should be counted into the 821 days' stay in New Zealand under the new 2021 new residence policy(have arrived before 28 September 2018). And give us the same right to apply for the same immigration policy after two years of compensation. To make sure we can have the same right as inshore work visa holders. ( pre-immigrants)
4、qualify student visa who have been lived in NZ for 3 years.

There are so many people still suffering the same pain, please make sure our voice is heard, we are the one of five million people.

Best regards,

Offshore work visa holders