New Zealand: Pregnant Temporary Visa Holders May Be Denied Renewal

An application for a New Zealand temporary visa or renewal may be denied if a woman is pregnant because she will not be “of an acceptable standard of health”, according to New Zealand immigration rules.

While exceptions were granted to partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, and some of those applying for the New Zealand work-to-residence visa, other women on a temporary visa may have their New Zealand visa application denied if they are pregnant.

In addition women who get pregnant while in New Zealand on temporary residency permits are being told to leave the country to have their babies because of a shortage of maternity services. The New Zealand Herald reported that women are being told they cannot give birth here even if they are prepared to pay the full medical and maternity care costs.

“This is because of the costs and scarce resources in the maternity sector, and the applicant offering to fund her own maternity costs does not cover the demand for services,” a Labour department spokesman said.

“There may also be a question of whether the person is able to undertake the course of study on the basis of which they are applying for a visa or permit if pregnant.”

Immigration New Zealand has also warned temporary New Zealand visa holders that failing to inform them of pregnancy would be breaching the conditions of their visa.

“If a person’s circumstances have materially changed since they obtained a permit, they are obliged under the Immigration Act to advise us of that change,” the spokesperson said.