Criticism is mounting over whether the Government is being transparent about the establishment of a specific humanitarian pathway for Palestinians out of Gaza.
Officials have said they’ll take special circumstances into consideration when looking at visa applications for those from the region — but those with relatives in Gaza say that’s not always happening.
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Minas Al-Ansari has been trying to see what options there are to get her aunt, Maisoon Al Desouki, and her children, a visa for New Zealand.
But she says officials keep advising her that to get a visitor visa she’ll require evidence that the family will be able to return — such as proof of income, a job or a home — which is hard to prove in today’s Gaza.
“It’s been quite hard, especially as I’m very close to my aunt. She has five kids and they are all really high academic achievers as well.
“New Zealand is home for me, and I’d love for her to feel like she’s somewhere she can call home.”
Al-Ansari says it would be a dream for her mother, to see her youngest sister, whom she hasn’t seen in 20 years and just “hold her in her arms”.
1News has requested documentation on the official response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza from the Immigration Minister, the Associate Minister of Immigration, Immigration New Zealand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
INZ and the Associate Minister Chris Penk’s Office have been the only departments to respond within the 20 day working time frame.
In a memo released by INZ it shows possible scenarios for a bespoke response, or a specific immigration pathway were considered by officials, back in December 2023.
But what those were is unclear, as the details were redacted under section 9 (2) (f) (v) of the Official Information Act — to protect the confidentiality of crown officials.
Labour’s Immigration spokesperson, Phil Twyford, says the government should have set up an easier pathway for those in Gaza months ago — and should be more transparent about why it hasn’t.
“I have no doubt that a special humanitarian visa from New Zealand would help people to get out,” he says. “And then the government should use every diplomatic channel available to get the Israelis to allow people to leave.”
1News requested an interview with Immigration Minister Erica Stanford over whether the Government would reconsider the options for a humanitarian pathway for those in Gaza — or if she’d consider meeting with the community.
Her team refused the interview request, instead released this statement.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is incredibly difficult. I acknowledge these are very challenging circumstances for people and their family in New Zealand
“As you can appreciate my office receives a significant number of invitations and correspondence for consideration. Unfortunately, with three large portfolios, there are meeting requests that are not able to be accommodated.
“Immigration NZ regularly undertake engagement with various stakeholders, on my behalf, on this issue.”
She says since April officials have met with representatives of the Palestinian community five times.
Stanford adds she took an oral item to cabinet in mid-May. “The view of Cabinet at that time was to retain current visa settings. While the current visa settings are being retained officials are monitoring the situation closely.”
The Minister also clarified that all decisions taken in relation to New Zealand’s response to international conflicts are context dependent and are “decisions for Cabinet”.
In a statement an INZ spokesperson says it has “great sympathy for those separated from their loved ones during this stressful time”.
“We will continue to prioritise the processing of applications for people impacted by the conflict. However, all applicants must meet the relevant immigration requirements to be granted a visa. Exceptions for temporary visa applicants, may be considered on a case-by-case basis.”
INZ said for temporary visas applicants must demonstrate they intend to leave the country at the end of their stay.
Evidence cited includes evidence of employment, or that they are a student, links to close relatives back home, or evidence of assets.
Once they’ve exhausted all options people can appeal to the Associate Minister for Immigration Chris Penk to intervene, documentation obtained by 1News showed so far, he’s only intervened in two of the ten applications he’s received. That’s seen 11 Palestinians granted residence visas.
Since October 7 2023 113 of 187 applications from Palestinian passport holders have been approved.
