But after the Herald began asking INZ questions, the agency confirmed it had granted a student visa to Rafael and 71 other dependent children of MEPV holders. According to figures released to the Herald, 690 migrant workers who originally came holding Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) have been granted MEWV. “An additional five dependants are currently having dependant student visas processed,” Parsons said. She confirmed that Rafael Arriaza Diaz had been granted a student visa as a dependant of a worker, which was valid until February 2026. “Many made their decision based on the fact that their work visas would allow their children to attend school here as domestic students,” she said.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 14, 2023 22:33 UTC