Permanent Residency for Ukrainian War Refugees

New Zealand announced today, Saturday, that it will grant permanent residency to Ukrainian war refugees. Immigration Minister Andrew Little stated that "permanent residency will be available in New Zealand for those fleeing the war in Ukraine after obtaining a special temporary entry visa before March 15 of next year." The minister added, "Many of the people who came here seeking safety did not expect to stay for a long time, but with the war ongoing, we have a humanitarian duty towards them." In this context, applicants for permanent residency will not be subjected to a language test, will not be required to have sponsorship from New Zealand residents, nor will they need to prove that they possess specific amounts of money. Since the introduction of this visa category in 2022, New Zealand has granted more than 1,500 special visas for Ukraine as part of the country's efforts to support Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022.