UK abolishing Kiwi ancestry visa?

[MotherBear]

NZ makes submission on British visa proposal
Sunday, 09 March 2008

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

From here .

[MotherBear]

UK drops plans of scuttling NZ ancestry visa rights
New 11:01AM Tuesday July 15, 2008

Fears that New Zealanders will lose their right to British ancestry visas have been allayed, Prime Minister Helen Clark said today.

Miss Clark said she welcomed the announcement by the British Home Office that New Zealanders with grandparents born in the United Kingdom will continue to be able to live and work in Britain for up to five years on an ancestry visa.

This follows recent news that the British government had dropped consideration of stripping New Zealanders of visa free access to the United Kingdom for up to six months.

"The two decisions mean that New Zealanders will continue to enjoy good access to Britain," Miss Clark said.

"They follow extensive consultations between British and New Zealand officials. I also raised the matter personally with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown."

The British government has been reviewing its immigration policy and abolishing the ancestry visa was one of the options.

Miss Clark said for generations New Zealanders had been able to use their ancestral links to Britain and the decision would mean the traditional "OE" (overseas experience) could continue.

"It reflects the huge goodwill towards New Zealand in Britain," Miss Clark said.

- NZPA

From here.