Change stems from the actions of advocacy. Advocacy means voicing out concerns, issues and ideas from other people (or even yourself) to other people, organisations or leaders in different sectors of the world. No matter what your expertise or life experiences are like, we want you to share your own perspectives and experiences on certain ongoing issues in the university, New Zealand, or maybe even the world, so that we can represent you as one voice and see the equitable change for us happening. Check out down below on what advocacy works, we are working on and actively seeking feedback for:
If you have anything that the OISA Committee should take notice, please e-mail [email protected] OR [email protected]
CURRENTLY IN THE WORKS
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✈️ BORDER REOPENING FOR ON-SHORE AND OFF-SHORE STUDENTS FROM 11:59PM, 12 APRIL ONWARDS
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Good news!! International students currently in New Zealand can leave at any time and return from 12 April, 11:59PM onwards (where visa conditions allow). Self-isolation for 7 days will be required for those returning to New Zealand, more details on how self-isolation will look like to be announced soon. The government announcement is confirmed by the University of Otago, International Office and Education New Zealand.
BEFORE MAKING TRAVEL PLANS, PLEASE CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE SPECIFIC CONDITIONS OF THIS NEW PROCESS
Visa Conditions for Re-Entry to New Zealand - full information on the Immigration New Zealand Website
- Re-entry to New Zealand for current student visa holders is only possible AFTER 11:59pm on Tuesday 12 April.
- Re-entry is only possible if you have a valid student visa with multiple entry conditions.
- Re-entry is only possible if you still meet all the conditions of your current student visa.
Other conditions for re-entry to New Zealand – full information available on the MIQ website
- You must meet all relevant vaccination and health requirements of entry into New Zealand.
- You must self-isolate on your return to New Zealand.
Things to consider before booking travel outside of New Zealand:
- Do you have a valid, multiple entry student visa that will remain valid (will not expire) while you are outside of New Zealand?
- What is the best time for you to travel, given that you will not be able to return until after 13 April (just before our mid-semester break)? For example, would it be best to wait until the end of semester 1 to minimise potential risks or disruptions to your academic study?
- If New Zealand border policy changed again in response to a new COVID outbreak or variant, and you were stuck outside of New Zealand for longer than anticipated, how would you manage your ongoing study?
- Does your insurance cover international travel at this time?
- When you return to New Zealand, where will you self-isolate safely?
If you are thinking about booking travel home, the International Support Team and the Student Visa and Compliance Team may be able to assist with any questions or clarification you need to help you plan safely
Do you have any further questions? E-Mail [email protected] OR [email protected]