2014-Mar 28: Ban on the grant of visas to individuals associated with the Ukraine crisis

28 March 2014

Ban on the grant of visas to individuals associated with the Ukraine crisis

Subject/issue

R5.100.25 Ban on the grant of visas to individuals associated with the Ukraine crisis

E2.105 Ban on the grant of visas to individuals associated with the Ukraine crisis

New immigration instructions reflect New Zealand’s decision to introduce travel sanctions against key individuals identified as being responsible for, or associated with, actions which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. [See Amendment Circular 2014/04]

Action required

Identities for the individuals concerned have been created in AMS, and alerts added. If an immigration officer is processing an application which has an alert for one of these individuals, they must contact the Risk Assessment Team for further advice.

The immigration instructions state that where special circumstances exist, supported by cogent and reliable evidence and in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, INZ may nonetheless grant a visa to such a person. This decision is limited to immigration officers with Schedule 1 to 2 delegations.