ACT to introduce physical presence requirements for permanent residents if elected

The ACT party will introduce physical presence requirements for permanent residents, if elected.The party's immigration spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar said it would "bring balance" to the system, and ensure visa holders have a "genuine commitment to our country"."The strangest immigration policy we have is that permanent residents don't have to be permanently resident."Parmar said the country should be welcoming for migrants, but the privileges of permanent residence must reflect a real and lasting connection to the nation.ACT would change New Zealand's residence system by removing the existing Permanent Resident Visa category and changing the existing Resident Visa to require holders to receive a five-year travel facility. That would replace the current two-year initial travel condition.Resident Visa holders would need to be physically present in the country for at least two years (730 days) within any rolling five-year period.The two-year period would not need to be continuous "but the indefinite, unconditional right to leave and re-enter the country would be removed".There would be exemptions for individuals working overseas for New Zealand employers, accompanying family members, military personnel serving overseas, and those with a citizen spouse, or other compelling humanitarian reasons.Parmar said the change would also create a clearer distinction between permanent residence and citizenship.