LittleGreyCat

What is the situation for people in e.g. the UK who are well down the route to immigration, visa approved, job offer etc.
Can they still fly out to NZ (like residents and some other visa holders) or is this all on hold?

MrsFychan

from my understanding if you have a current valid visa you are ok to come, personally if the visa is less than 2 years I would stay where you are as information from Governments around the World is get home as soon as you can before you no longer can

Pulaski

I suspect that if you haven't already pretty much packed up, sold up, and are flying within the next (very) few days, your question is moot, as it looks like pretty much all international air travel will be shut down within a week or so.

I saw earlier today that QANTAS is suspending operations by the end of March, and many other airlines have already grounded most or all of their fleet. The US has limited inward flights to only ten designated airports.

Mishclark

There's loads of people in my expat group on Facebook stressing about this and my friends have had to close their immigration advisory business for the moment.

I feel for everyone as my situation is not anywhere near a problem as others.

Jetstar (my airline) have also suspended all international flights from Oz so I'm in Oz for a few months spending time with my girls..No getting back to CHCH for a bit..

LittleGreyCat

I was also wondering if NZ was going to suspend processing of applications for the moment as there is a chance the world will be locked down for a long time.

Personally this is yet another potential bump in the Parent Category road.

Pulaski

We have a trip booked for the end of May (I am in the US) to visit my elderly mother in the UK - and although she is in generally good health for her age, she is of an age where, if we are locked down for 24 months, there is a significant chance I may never see her again even if she doesn't get the coronavirus.

Pollyana

I feel for you as I am in the same position with my mum, who is back in the UK. She is not only elderly (mid 80s) but also has a weak chest with a tendency to asthma and bronchitis.
With it looking like Qantas will go under the chances of getting from Aus to the UK in the next year or so don't look good.

MrsFychan

we also were due to go back to UK in July to bring DD back and see family, also all ageing. But now we are frantically trying to get DD back now. finally got a flight leaving this Sat arriving Mon, via Dubai to Akl then down to Welly, Got a email today saying that the Akl - Welly flight might not go ahead. so do we drive up to get her or see if we can get another flight which were sparse when we booked the Air NZ one or drive up to collect her?
this is certainly not helping the depression

Mishclark

I don't want to say too much as it's not my place and I only know what I saw, but my friends are doing skype only appointments and only clients that are current, they are not taking any new clients at this stage..

Mishclark

OMG I'm sorry, I hope it doesn't come to this..

Mishclark

Ahh mate hang in there

I'd probably drive up, as long as you get her on the flight to NZ..