NZ visa fee hike for Sāmoa criticised

New Zealand has been told it must "put its money where its mouth is" as frustration grows over the government's decision to increase visa travel charges for Sāmoans.

From 1 October, Sāmoans hoping to visit families in Aotearoa or apply for any of the visa categories will pay more as fees are set to increase as much as 50 per cent.

Immigration New Zealand announced the changes on 10 August, saying they would "improve the INZ system and ensure it is efficient, self-funding and sustainable”.

Aotearoa remains the number one destination for Sāmoan travellers. Figures from Sāmoa's Bureau of Statistics show that Sāmoans visit New Zealand the most than any other nation.

Sāmoans are the third highest population in Aotearoa and Gagana Samoa is the third most-spoken language here.

Watch Sāmoan Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters meet in Apia in February.

This means that travel between the two countries is a regular feature with most New Zealand-based Sāmoans making annual visits home for family gatherings.

The new visa prices include Visitor at $363.40, up 26.3 per cent from $287.60; Skilled Residence at $9137.50 - up 35 per cent from $6760.70, while the Family Category visa is up 75 per cent, and will cost $8095.00 from $4625.50.

The Student Visa will cost $900.30 from $529.80, up 69.8 per cent. However, the Working Holiday visa does not apply to Samoa, INZ said.

In February, New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, and Sāmoan Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa renewed their partnership for cooperation over the next four years.

"As well as outlining our intent to work together on issues of mutual interest such as climate change, human and economic development, and responding to an increasingly complex security environment, the agreement reiterates New Zealand's commitment to supporting Sāmoa to deliver a successful Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year," Peters told journalists.

When pressed on visa-free travel, Peters said, "We have heard you. It is under consideration, we have to go back and consult our colleagues and give you an answer that will be real and will be factual."

Fiamē said she looked forward to having a "broader platform to discuss" the matter and hoped to expand travel options to countries outside Aotearoa and Australia.

Photo/mirsad sarajlic

But the critics, including political commentators and Sāmoans, have taken to social media to call out both governments over what they claim are "double standards" particularly by New Zealand.

"New Zealanders get visa-free entry into Sāmoa but Sāmoans require expensive, time-consuming visas to enter New Zealand. How is that fair?" one Facebook post read.

Another said Peters had toured the Pacific five times since December, announcing "how New Zealand has an important role to play in keeping the Pacific region on a peaceful pathway.

"The coalition government says it is deeply committed to the Pacific and Peters has been ensuring Aotearoa has the connections and relationships to help the region succeed.

"But actions speak louder than words. More than aid is needed for the Pacific people."

Former Sāmoan prime minister Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi also took a swipe at Fiamē's government, saying the rising costs were a significant burden, exacerbating the delays that already plagued the visa application process.

Tuilaepa criticised the Sāmoan government for its perceived focus on revenue generation rather than addressing public grievances.

Watch former Sāmoan prime minister Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi's interview with PMN News Political Reporter Ala Vailala on the Citizenship Bill.

Tuilaepa argued that the government's approach reflected a lack of genuine concern for the challenges faced by Sāmoans.

"The FAST government seems to prioritise their reputation among the diaspora over the well-being of the people of Sāmoa," he said in a statement

"This is clearly shown in their lack of support for the restoration of our people's NZ citizenship rights, the cancellation of our people's right to an Australia visa, the cautious approach they've taken towards Japan's job opportunities, and the implementation of a new complex policy for seasonal workers- that has created discriminatory restrictions.

"This government is too focused on manipulating their diaspora to further their own self-interests because they rely on the support of the diaspora to finance their lavish lifestyles and extravagant trips," the former prime minister said.

In a statement, INZ said the new visa charges had been set at “an appropriate level to recover the costs of processing a visa and reflect the benefits received by people using immigration services”.

“Immigration makes a vital contribution to New Zealand’s economy, workforce, and community

“It reunites friends and families, provides employers with access to key skills and capital, contributes to New Zealand’s international and humanitarian commitments, and supports the security and integrity of our border.

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, and Sāmoan Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa meet in Apia in February. Photo/PMN - Eroti Navuku

“It is appropriate that those using and benefiting from the immigration system cover the costs of running it,” INZ said.

Frustrated Sāmoans have also said that getting a visa to travel for holiday purposes was also a challenge.

"Samoans have endured long waits and so much bureaucratic red tape," one post on X read.

"Sometimes people keep waiting for a visa for three months and then end up missing out on the event they are preparing for."

Another X post said there were delays in processing online visa applications and a lack of face-to-face communication at the INZ office in Apia.

Sāmoan Police Minister Faualo Harry Schuster said in a statement that the processing of New Zealand visa applications lodged by Sāmoans keen on visiting family was “embarrassing and heartbreaking”.

He said Sāmoan citizens were still struggling with the INZ visa application process.

INZ said it was committed to supporting its Pacific neighbours and would see the continuation of subsidised fees for visa applicants from Pacific island countries.

Sāmoan Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters in Apia. Photo/file