What are the changes introduced by the New Zealand immigration department?

[Aman]

When will these changes come into effect?

 

[Yakuza]

http://www.visabureau.com/blog/post/immigration-act-2009-what-the-changes-will-mean-for-new-zealand-visa-applicants.aspx

The New Zealand Immigration Act 2009 will come into effect in November, bringing a number of changes to the New Zealand immigration system. The Immigration Act is the result of the most comprehensive review of New Zealand immigration legislation in 20 years, with its introduction intended "to manage immigration in a way that balances the national interest, as determined by the Crown, and the rights of individuals".

The provisions of the Immigration Act 2009 are not yet in force, with the majority of the provisions will come into effect on 29 November, 2010. Until then the provisions of the Immigration Act 1987 apply.

The changes of the Immigration Act 2009 can be summarised as follows:

Introduction of a universal visa system;
New interim visas;
Facilitating passenger processing;
Incentives for third parties to comply with their obligations;
A new classified information system with special safeguards;
More flexible compliance and information powers;
A tiered detention and monitoring system;
A new refugee and protection system;
A single independent appeals tribunal; AND
The legislative ability to use biometrics.
I'll now explain a few of these points which I think warrant further explanation and could have an effect on New Zealand visa holders and applicants.

Will the new Immigration Act affect current New Zealand visa or permit holders?
No. All existing visa or permit holders will be deemed to hold a visa of a corresponding type under the Immigration Act 2009, meaning there is no need to apply for a new visa or permit.

What classes of visa will the Immigration Act 2009 allow for?
The Immigration Act 2009 will allow for the following classes of visas:

Residence class visas
Permanent resident visas – holders are entitled to travel to and gain entry permission into New Zealand and may stay indefinitely without conditions.
Resident visas – holders may be subject to conditions but will be entitled to travel to, enter and stay in New Zealand in line with those conditions.
Temporary entry class visas
Temporary visas – these will have a variety of different types and names – for example, visitor visas which will allow a holder to stay in New Zealand for the purpose of visiting, and work visas which allow a holder to stay and work in New Zealand.
Interim visas – these can be granted for the purpose of maintaining lawful status in New Zealand, where someone has applied for a further visa and their application is being considered.
Limited visas – these can be granted to people who wish to come to New Zealand for an express purpose.
Transit visas
Transit visas - These allow a passenger to remain in transit if they are travelling through New Zealand to another destination. Not everyone will require a transit visa