4806 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister of Immigration

4806 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister of Immigration: Does the minister intend to create a special humanitarian visa for Palestine nationals, and if so, what is the timeline for the creation of this special humanitarian visa?

Hon Erica Stanford: I receive weekly updates on the visas issued to those affected by the Israel-Hamas crisis and have regular conversations with officials on what other countries are doing. At this time, the evidence is that a special humanitarian visa is not a solution to the current crisis. Even with a visa to enter New Zealand, significant challenges exist for Palestinians wishing to leave Gaza, including securing approval to cross into Egypt. All countries, including Canada and Australia, have had similar issues with people granted visas being unable to leave Gaza. As I stated in Select Committee, the most important part of the New Zealand response is our significant contribution to humanitarian aid.