KEY POINTS:
New Zealand has made a formal submission to the British government on proposals to limit short-term visa arrangements, Prime Minister Helen Clark said today.
At the moment, New Zealanders can enter the United Kingdom visa-free for up to six months for tourism or business purposes. New Zealand film crews and academics can currently enter the UK visa-free for up to 12 months.
The British government proposes to limit all these short-term visas to three months as part of sweeping changes to its immigration system.
Miss Clark said a reduction in the length of time New Zealand citizens can visit without seeking a visa would be of "serious concern", and have implications for many New Zealanders visiting the UK.
"The Government has made a strong formal submission outlining our concerns," she said.
"There is a very small immigration risk posed by New Zealanders in the UK. Our two countries have a unique relationship, and New Zealanders should not be disadvantaged due to concerns about nationals from other countries."
New Zealand will also be making representations to the Home Office shortly in relation to the suggestion that the ancestry visa be abolished.
- NZPA
