THE New Zealand Immigration Department has encouraged Fijian citizens to register early for this year’s ballot under the Immigration New Zealand Pacific Access Category (PAC).
In a statement, New Zealand High Commissioner Mark Ramsden said the immigration instructions recognised the special relationship between New Zealand and Fiji, and each year, up to 250 citizens of Fiji would be eligible for residence under the PAC, starting this year.
“The successful applicants selected from the ballot process will have until March 7, 2016 to lodge their residence visa applications; the principal applicant must also have an acceptable job offer from a New Zealand employer,” Mr Ramsden said.
He said eligible Fijian citizens must be aged between 18 and 45 years to register under the ballot and ballot registration applicants were reminded to make sure they had the required forms and necessary documents.
“Only one ballot registration form is needed for each family. Copies of birth certificates or front page of passports must also be provided for everyone named on the registration form. The registration form and fees can be delivered to the Lautoka Visa Application Centre on level one of the Sugar Cane Growers Council Building in Drasa Avenue or in Suva at the Patel Samaj Hall, High Street.
“From April 1, 2015 these Visa Application Centres will be open from 8.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Registrations must be made by April 30, 2015,” he said.
Meanwhile, the fee for new registrations is FJ$129 and for those who have registered in a previous year the fee is FJ$69.
The fees can only be paid by bank cheque/draft made out to Immigration New Zealand.
