New Zealand First Proposes Dramatic Overhaul of Immigration System

New Zealand First has unveiled a comprehensive suite of immigration policy proposals, including a referendum on capping resident visas at 20,000 annually, stricter birthright citizenship rules, and a 10-year welfare stand-down period for all visa holders. These reforms could significantly impact Filipino migrants and their families living in or planning to move to New Zealand.

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New Zealand First has revealed a sweeping package of immigration reforms, including a proposal for a binding referendum to cap annual resident visas at 20,000. Announced on September 11, 2026, these policies aim to substantially reduce non-essential immigration and restore the principle that immigration is a privilege, not a right, according to RNZ and NZ Herald reports. The party's leader, Winston Peters, emphasized that New Zealand's immigration system must serve the nation and its citizens, linking population growth to the country's infrastructure capacity.

Among the most significant changes are tougher requirements for both permanent residency and citizenship. Under the proposed reforms, the qualifying period for permanent residency would be extended from two to five years, while the path to citizenship would lengthen from five years to a minimum of 10 years. Furthermore, New Zealand First seeks to update birthright citizenship, ensuring only children of citizens are automatically entitled to New Zealand citizenship at birth. These changes could significantly alter long-term settlement plans for Filipino migrants, requiring a longer commitment before achieving permanent status or citizenship.

A major concern for new arrivals, including many Filipino families, would be the proposed 10-year welfare stand-down period. This policy would make all non-citizens ineligible for jobseeker, accommodation supplement, or any other government benefits during their first decade in New Zealand, as detailed by Scoop News. Additionally, the party intends to change settings for asylum seekers, making those on working-class visas ineligible to claim asylum and preventing temporary work rights from becoming a stepping stone to other visas.

The reforms also include a 24-month amnesty period for overstayers to voluntarily depart New Zealand without future re-entry restrictions. However, after this period lapses, any detected overstayer would face immediate deportation and be permanently ineligible to apply for any future New Zealand visa. These measures underscore a stricter approach to compliance within the immigration system, potentially impacting some members of the Filipino community who may be on expired visas or face complex situations.

The proposed referendum on a resident visa cap directly links immigration settings to infrastructure capacity. This means major population growth would only occur where existing infrastructure can support it, or where it is fully funded and scheduled for delivery. This aims to prevent local councils from being forced to adapt to central government planning without adequate local support, and would involve the development of a 30-year population plan to coordinate immigration, housing, and infrastructure planning.