New Zealand has become the latest country to enact a law allowing people from Hong Kong, which is a Special Administrative Region of China, to enter and stay without visas. The immigration rules are being changed as New Zealand’s relationship with China is becoming more important due to growing Chinese influence in other markets such as real estate.
Which Countries are Exempted from New Zealand Visa Requirement?
New Zealand has recently passed a law to exempt Hong Kong from visa requirements. This is a big news for travelers to Hong Kong, as it means that visa requirements will no longer apply when traveling to New Zealand. This makes Hong Kong a much more convenient destination for travelers, as it now becomes much easier to get into the country. NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR CANADIAN CITIZENS
This exemption comes as a result of an agreement between New Zealand and the People’s Republic of China. The agreement was signed in 2013, and it aimed to reduce the number of tourists who visit Hong Kong because of its strict visa requirements. Now that New Zealand has passed the law, this agreement will be officially implemented.
The new law will take effect on January 1, 2019. It will apply to all visitors, including citizens of the countries that are exempted from the visa requirement: China, Japan, South Korea, Macau, and Taiwan.
Then why did New Zealand Pass a Law to Exempt Hong Kong from the Visa Requirements?
New Zealand has long been a popular tourist destination for Hong Kong residents, who flocked to the country to take advantage of its relaxed visa regulations. However, in late 2017, New Zealand announced that it would be switching to a points-based system for visas starting in 2020. This change means that visitors from certain visa-exempt countries, including Hong Kong, will need to obtain a visa if they want to stay longer than 90 days.
Many Hong Kong residents were outraged by the announcement, as it made their already complicated travel situation even more difficult. In response, some lawmakers in New Zealand started pushing for legislation that would exempt Hong Kong from the visa requirements altogether. On March 8th, 2018, the New Zealand Parliament unanimously passed the Bill Exempting Hong Kong from Visitor Visa Requirements (Bill No. 38/18), effectively ending the country’s transition to a points-based system and granting Hong Kong visa-free status for all visitors. NEW ZEALAND VISA FOR HONG KONG CITIZENS
Many Hong Kong residents were outraged by the announcement, as it made their already complicated travel situation even more difficult. In response, some lawmakers in New Zealand started pushing for legislation that would exempt Hong Kong from the visa requirements altogether. On March 8th
Conclusion
Good news for Hong Kong travellers – New Zealand has just passed a law that will exempt the city from visa requirements for visitors from all countries. This means that, as of March 30th, 2019, Hong Kong nationals can travel to New Zealand without a visa and vice versa. This is great news for travellers who want to explore both countries without having to deal with the hassle and long lines associated with getting a visa.