Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Immigration Act 2009

Core provisions and matters in relation to decision making - Excluded persons

16: Certain other persons not eligible for visa or entry permission

You could also call this:

“Who can't enter New Zealand due to security or crime risks”

You can’t get a visa or entry permission, and a visa waiver won’t apply to you, if the Minister thinks you might commit a crime in New Zealand that could lead to jail time. The same goes if the Minister believes you could be a threat to security, public order, or the public interest.

You also can’t get a visa or entry permission if you’re part of a terrorist group that’s been named under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002.

These rules might have some exceptions, which are explained in section 17 of this law.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM1440599.

Topics:
Immigration and citizenship > Visas
Immigration and citizenship > Border control
Crime and justice > Criminal law
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15: Certain convicted or deported persons not eligible for visa or entry permission to enter or be in New Zealand, or

“People with serious criminal records or past deportations can't enter New Zealand”

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17: Exceptions to non-eligibility for visa or entry permission, or

“When you might still be allowed to get a visa or enter New Zealand despite being ineligible”

Part 2 Core provisions and matters in relation to decision making
Excluded persons

16Certain other persons not eligible for visa or entry permission

  1. No visa or entry permission may be granted, and no visa waiver may apply, to any person who—

  2. the Minister has reason to believe—
    1. is likely to commit an offence in New Zealand that is punishable by imprisonment; or
      1. is, or is likely to be, a threat or risk to security; or
        1. is, or is likely to be, a threat or risk to public order; or
          1. is, or is likely to be, a threat or risk to the public interest; or
          2. is a member of a terrorist entity designated under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002.

            1. This section is subject to section 17.

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