40017 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Immigration

40017 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Immigration: What advice, if any, has the Minister received to imply that offering special visas for the people of Gaza only provides "false hope"?

Hon Erica Stanford: I have received a range of advice in relation to the Israel/Hamas conflict. This advice has included information that there are almost no pathways for people to exit Gaza where they are not citizens or residents of another country, even if they are able to get a visa to a third country. As the member will be aware, even the immediate families of New Zealand citizens and/or residents have faced significant challenges trying to exit Gaza. I have also received advice that since the IDF took control of the Rafah Crossing in early May that crossing the border into Egypt has become more difficult.