Deadline for Zimbabweans to apply for residency passes

Just under 1000 Zimbabweans have taken up an offer to apply for New Zealand residency.

Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said most of the group entitled to apply by yesterday's deadline had done so.

Last August, the Government said it would allow hundreds of Zimbabweans living here to apply for permanent residency regardless of their HIV status and since then 13 who had the disease had applied.

Over 1000 Zimbabweans are in New Zealand after fleeing Robert Mugabe's oppressive regime.

They were able to apply for permanent residency under the Special Zimbabwe Residence Policy - for which they have to take a mandatory HIV test.

Mr Cunliffe said 930 Zimbabweans living here had applied. This included 126 who applied since the health waiver was announced in August.

"This means over 90 per cent of Zimbabweans eligible under the policy have applied," Mr Cunliffe said.

"I am advised that on current count some 90 eligible people have yet to come forward though this is not a final figure."

Last minute applications were being considered by officials.

Mr Cunliffe said those who had not applied would not get a guarantee they could get residence but he said New Zealand continued to acknowledge the unstable situation in Zimbabwe.

"Immigration applications of Zimbabweans will be considered on a case by case basis, depending on the person's individual circumstances. This could mean the rolling-over of short-term permits allowing some to stay in New Zealand until the situation in Zimbabwe has improved enough for them to return safely.

"It is for the good of the Zimbabwean community and the good of New Zealand for people to come forward and sort out their immigration and health status."

- NZPA