MIQ fee waiver period doubled for expatriates

New Zealanders returning home for a visit will soon need to stay in the country for 180 days to avoid paying managed isolation (MIQ) fees.

The change comes into effect from June 1. Previously, returnees needed to be in the country for 90 days to avoid paying MIQ costs. The rule specifically applies to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who are returning from overseas who have not been in the country since August 11, 2020. The current fee is $3100 (including GST) for the 14-day managed isolation stay for the first adult in the room.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said the change would support the Government’s aim of making the MIQ system more financially sustainable. It is estimated that extending the minimum period to 180 days would affect about 3 per cent of returning New Zealanders.

The Government has also made further decisions about fee increases for temporary entry class visa holders. Those who are partners, spouses, legal guardians or children (under 18) of citizens or residents, or a critical health worker, and are sharing an MIQ room with that person, will remain liable to pay the lower MIQ additional person rates.

These are $950 for an additional adult and $475 for a child aged 3-17. However, where they are travelling separately, the temporary entry class visa holder will be charged the higher fees of $5520 for the first or only person in a room, $2990 for an additional adult, and $1610 for an additional child. The fee increases take effect from 12.01am today.

MBIE can grant a full or partial waiver of managed isolation fees in cases of financial hardship or other special circumstances, or arrange an instalment plan or deferment of payment, for anyone entering the country who is liable for MIQ fees (except critical workers).