Wellington, New Zealand – June 11, 2025
In a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening family bonds among migrant communities, the New Zealand government has officially launched a 10-year multiple entry visa for parents of migrants living in the country.
The new visa programme, which took effect this week, will allow eligible parents of permanent residents and citizens to visit New Zealand for extended periods, with stays of up to six months at a time, and a maximum of five years within the ten-year window.
According to the New Zealand Immigration Department, the long-term visa is part of the government’s broader strategy to make immigration policies more family-friendly and responsive to the needs of the country’s growing multicultural population.
“This initiative is a compassionate response to long-standing calls from migrant families for more flexible options to maintain close ties with their loved ones abroad,” said Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, while announcing the policy in Wellington.
The move has been widely welcomed by migrant communities, particularly from Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, who often face emotional and logistical challenges in reuniting with ageing parents due to strict visa timelines and high travel costs.
To qualify, applicants must meet several conditions, including:
Having a child who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
Demonstrating sufficient financial means or sponsorship from the resident child.
Meeting standard health and character requirements.
The visa does not grant permanent residency, but its generous terms are seen as a step toward a more humane and inclusive immigration system. Parents under this category will not be permitted to work or access public healthcare unless separately insured.
For many Nigerians and other Africans residing in New Zealand, this development offers a rare opportunity to host parents for family functions, support during childbirth, and critical periods such as medical recovery or bereavement.
Mrs. Funmi Adebanjo, a Nigerian nurse based in Auckland, described the announcement as “life-changing.”
“For years, I have missed out on key moments with my mother because of the limitations of visit visas. This is a huge relief. Now she can come and go without us being rushed,” she said.
The 10-year parent visa is part of a series of immigration reforms the New Zealand government is rolling out to attract skilled migrants and retain their long-term commitment to the country.
Authorities have advised interested families to begin applications through the official immigration portal, warning that false documentation or misrepresentation could lead to immediate disqualification.
As New Zealand strengthens its global image as a family-friendly nation, immigration analysts believe this new visa model could inspire similar reforms in countries with high migrant populations.
