Until now, work permit holders have been at a disadvantage compared with holders of residence permits. While residence permit holders have been allowed to bring their personal effects to New Zealand free of import duties, work permit holders have not.
From 15 November, however, people who hold long-term temporary visas (such as long-term business and work to residence visas) will not have to pay any Customs duty on their baggage and effects, including ships, aircraft, motor vehicles, and household effects.
The full list of people who do not have to pay customs duty now includes people who hold:
- a New Zealand passport
- an Australian passport
- a current New Zealand residence visa or permit, or current returning resident’s visa or permit
- a current permanent residence visa (including a resident return visa) issued by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia
- a current work visa or work permit that was issued for a minimum of 12 months
- a current work visa or work permit, issued under the Long Term Business Visa policy, that was issued for a minimum of 9 months
- a current visitor’s visa or permit that was issued for a minimum of 3 years.