NZ simplifying visa process for China

New Zealand is taking steps to simplify the visa process for Chinese nationals with a new joint immigration New Zealand (INZ) and Tourism New Zealand office in Shanghai. New Zealand immigration minister Jonathan Coleman said the office is an important development in assisting Chinese visitors to New Zealand, a market which is worth around USD$318million. “We are seeing more tourists and business visitors from China, Chinese tourism in New Zealand is booming with 131,000 visitors in the year to June 2011an increase of 25 percent,” Mr Coleman said. Business travel has also increased by 10 per cent, and Chinese students account for a quarter of the 90,000 international students who study in New Zealand each year. The immigration New Zealand (INZ) is now issuing multiple entry visas for Chinese citizens as standard practice allowing holders to enter New Zealand as many times as they like for a maximum stay of six months. “This will remove a real source of frustration for Chinese who wish to visit New Zealand regularly at short notice,” Dr Coleman said. INZ has announced its plans to open visa applications centres in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong, which will make the process easier and less time consuming. “What this also highlights is the important link between immigration and tourism and how better collaborations between both sectors can help boost New Zealand’s tourism industry.” Dr Coleman said.

Source:http://www.etravelblackboard.com/article/121968/nz-simplifying-visa-process-for-china