There were almost 20,000 international students in NZ as of late 2021. These students have been studying online for up to five semesters by now, which has seriously affected many facets of their lives. For one, they have not been able to establish close relationships with their teachers and peers, live in the dorms, do in-person labs and fieldwork, network, join clubs, attend office hours and tutorials, hang out on campus, go to university events, volunteer, and many other activities that characterise uni life. 
NZ is the ONLY country in the world that hasn’t allowed all its international students to arrive, significantly affecting their mental, emotional, social, academic, and even spiritual wellbeing. This must change. 
We ask for fully vaccinated international students to be allowed to start processing their visas now to arrive in NZ to study onshore in Semester 2, 2022, and live the academic experiences that they deserve. Additionally, it is worth noting that they will significantly benefit the economy by purchasing items like food, school supplies, and clothes, as well as renting dorms and apartments, and lighting up their unis with their vibrant presence. It is a win-win situation!
We call on staff members and representatives at all of NZ academic institutions as well as our fellow students, friends, and family to be our voice in front of government authorities and remind them that there are twenty thousand students who’ve been patiently waiting to come to NZ for over two years and that they deserve answers and support. Please sign this petition if you agree!