New Zealand eases visas for Indonesia

JAKARTA. New Zealand has announced more simplified visa applications for Indonesians attending business events following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Immigration New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand and four approved travel agents in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The new arrangements include a more streamlined visa service with faster, three-day processing times and reduced paperwork.

"These changes reflect the importance that the New Zealand government places on high-value visitors from Indonesia," said Immigration New Zealand head Nigel Bickle in a press release.

He added that substantial growth was underway in terms of conference facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.

According to Tourism New Zealand regional manager for South and Southeast Asia Steven Dixon, Indonesia is one of the country's priority markets for tourism and business events.

Almost 17,000 Indonesians visited New Zealand over the past year; a 17 percent increase on the previous year. (kes)