NZ Prime Minister Responds to Call for Visa Free Travel for Samoans

2026-03-16 - 09:36

16 March 2026 Apia Samoa. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, has responded to the question of whether Samoan citizens should be granted visa-free travel to New Zealand as requested in the Pacific Justice petition, which calls for equal treatment of Pacific travellers entering Aotearoa. In a question posed by local media shortly after the bestowal of his honorary Tuisinavemaulumoto’otua title in Apia, Luxon was simply asked, “Why not give us free visa?” Luxon said his government had already taken several steps over the past two years to make travel easier for Pacific people, including Samoans. Tuisinavemaulumoto’otua said New Zealand has introduced a two-year multiple entry visitor visa for travellers. He also noted that travellers who already hold an Australian visitor visa can now enter New Zealand using that visa. “First and foremost, we’ve made a two-year multi entry visitor visa available. We’ve also said that if you have an Australian visitor visa, we will recognise that in New Zealand as well,” Luxon said. According to Luxon, the visa processing time has been improved and visa fees have been lowered as announced this past week by Vaovasamanaia Sir Winston Peters. “We’ve sped up the processing by about three times and lowered the cost by around 25 percent to make it easier for people to travel,” said Luxon. Luxon says granting visa-free access presents challenges for any government. He said countries must balance easier travel with responsible immigration management to ensure systems such as hospitals and schools are not overwhelmed. “The challenge for any leader is making sure migration is legal and that we manage the risks around our immigration system,” he said. According to Luxon, New Zealand had offered visa-free travel arrangements in the past, but they were stopped after services such as hospitals and schools became overstretched and some visitors did not return home as expected. Faamati Specials at SOS! Togafuafua or Salelologa “Rest assured from my government, we are trying to liberalise the rules to make it much easier to move around the Pacific. We will continue to look at what more we can do,” he said. Restoring Respect However, the Pacific Justice petition, led by Lupematasila Anae Arthur Anae and the Pacific Justice Movement, argues that Pacific people should be treated with the same “respect, dignity, and equality” as those from nations like the UK and the 60+ countries on New Zealand’s visa waiver list. Lupematasila Anae Arthur J Anae, long serving advocate for Samoa and Pacific communities. Anae’s primary argument is centered on fairness. “Currently, citizens from roughly 60 countries – including many with no historical or constitutional ties to New Zealand – can enter the country freely for up to three months”. Pacific Islanders, however, must undergo a rigorous, expensive, and often intrusive application process. Pregnancy tests have been required as part of the process. “Our people are being treated like second-class citizens in their own backyard,” Anae has stated during his community talanoa sessions. “Why is it that someone from the other side of the world can fly in tomorrow, but a Samoan grandmother has to beg for permission to see her grandkids?” March Specials at SOS Togafuafua and Salelologa. Overstay Penalty To address overstaying concerns, the proposal suggests a three-year ban for anyone who overstays without an extension. Lupematasila Anae argues that the fear of overstaying is an outdated narrative. “Give our people the respect of a legal entry, and they will respect the law.” “The ‘overstayer’ label has been used as a boogeyman for too long, says Anae. It’s time to move past the Dawn Raids era and into a future of mutual trust.” Visa Requirement a Barrier to Samoans Travelling for Family and Cultural Events The visa requirement is a barrier to the cultural heartbeat of the Pacific: fa’alavelave. Whether it is a funeral, a wedding, or to visit parents and close family during times of illness, the current system often prevents families from gathering in times of need due to processing delays, not to mention the high visa costs. There are many examples of Samoans missing out on family funerals, weddings and other special occasions because of New Zealand’s strict visa requirements. Always highly suspicious that Samoans travelling to New Zealand will not return. In his address to supporters at the launch of the “60 Nations” petition, Anae was blunt about the psychological toll.. March Specials at SOS Togafuafua and Salelologa. “The current system is designed to exclude, not include. It strips our people of their dignity and ignores the blood, sweat, and tears Pacific people have contributed to the building of New Zealand.” The petition, delivered to Parliament last month, calls for an urgent inquiry into current immigration settings and requests a conscience vote in the New Zealand Parliament regarding the matter. Vacancy at Delicious Cakes