10 December 2021
A KS
[FYI request #17478 email]
Ref: DOIA 2122-1067
Dear A KS
Thank you for your email of 8 November 2021 requesting under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act),
the following information:
1. Total Count of EOIs currently in the Parents residency visa pool. If you can provide the count of
persons that will be great too as 1 EOI can have more than 1 applicant.
2. -Count of EOIs which were submitted before 15 September 2018 and are still in the pool. If
you can provide the count of persons that will be great too.
3. -Please share any documents or communication emails showing considerations of reopening or
future processing of Parents residency visa EOIs selection which was paused last year.” If you
can’t share the full document please provide the name of the document.
4. - Please share any other document for any proposed changes to parent resident visa category
Our Response
Question 1:
As at 23 November 2021 there were a total of 5,499 Parent Category Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in
the pool. These EOIs have a total person count of 8,685 people.
Question 2:
As at 23 November 2021 there were 3,603 EOIs accepted into the pool before 15 September 2018, i.e.
on or before 14 September 2021. These EOIs have a total person count of 5,917 people.
Question 3 and 4:
Please refer to Appendix one for the documentation in scope. Some information is being refused under:
• section 9(2)(f)(iv) of the Act to maintain the confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers of the
Crown and officials;
• section 9(2)(g)(i) of the Act to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and
frank expression of opinions by or between or to Ministers of the Crown or members of an
organisation or officers and employees of the Ministry;
• section (s9(2)(h) to maintain legal professional privilege;
• section 9(2)(a) of the Act to protect the privacy of natural people.
Please note that no decisions have been taken on when the category will reopen.
I trust you find the information helpful.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information
about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802
602.
If you wish to
discuss any aspect of your request or this response, or if you require any further
assistance,
please contact [email address]
Yours sincerely
Nicola Hogg
General Manager – Border and Visa Operations
Immigration New Zealand
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
