Visa On Arrival: “One’s Duty as a Matai Samoa, is to Serve Samoa”

2026-03-14 - 02:27

Samoa Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, has light heartedly suggested that the request by the New Zealand Prime Minister for a matai title means he must fight for the visa-on-arrival petition that is currently before the NZ Parliament. Speaking on his “Fofola le Fala ma le Alii Palemia” programme, Laaulialemalietoa said the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Samoa had informed him that the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon requested a matai title. Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao Fosi Schmidt on “Fofola le Fala ma le Alii Palemia” programme. “Auā na oo mai lava le High Komesina o le Ofisa o Niu Sila, e fia fai se suafa o le Afioga i le Alii Palemia.. O’u fai atu lea iai, o lea le mafuaaga ua finagalo ai le Alii Palemia, e fai lona suafa?” When I asked the High Commissioner why did the New Zealand Prime Minister want a matai title, he told me, “he has just put forward a requested for one.” “Ua talosaga mai lava ia..” Laaulialemalietoa said when he heard that Luxon wanted a Samoan matai title, he said to himself, “well then, our free visa petition has to go through..” The Samoa Prime Minister said, “One’s duty as a matai Samoa, is to serve Samoa..” Laaulialemalietoa said this would be the perfect first act of service [by the Rt Hon Luxon] is to endorse and implement the free visa-upon-arrival for the people of Samoa. “O lau tautua muamua lā lea, o le faa free visa loa o Samoa..” the Prime Minister said. Available only at Ah Liki Wholesale Laaulialemalietoa says everything has been set for the Matai Title bestowal of the New Zealand Prime Minister. He will be given the title of Tui-Sinave-ma-Ulumotootua on Monday morning at a ceremony planned to be held on the malae infront of the Government Building. Three-Month Visa on Arrival The central request is for a visa-free entry permit issued at the airport for a stay of up to 90 days. The petition led by former NZ MP Lupematasila Anae Arthur Anae, argues that Pacific people should be treated with the same “respect, dignity, and equality” as those from nations like the UK and various European countries on New Zealand’s visa waiver list. Lupematasila Anae Arthur J Anae, former NZ MP and 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. “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. It’s time to move past the Dawn Raids era and into a future of mutual trust.” Restoration of Respect 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. In his address to supporters at the launch of the “60 Nations” petition, Anae was blunt about the psychological toll: “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