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| A New Zealand flag held at a vigil for the Christchurch mosque massacres. New Zealand has offered permanent residency to those directly affected by the attacks (AFP Photo/Anthony WALLACE) |
New Zealand opened a two-year window Wednesday for people directly affected by the Christchurch terror attacks to apply to stay permanently in the country.
The special
visa category "recognises the impact of the tragedy on the lives of those
most affected, and gives people currently on temporary and resident visas some
certainty" about their status, Immigration New Zealand said in a
statement.
People
living in New Zealand who were present at one of the mosques and their
immediate family based in New Zealand qualify for the visa.
The
definition of "immediate family" has been expanded to include a wide
circle of family members including partner's family and the grandparents of
children under 25.
Mustafa
Farouk, the president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand,
said it was a generous gesture.
"We
are very happy," he said, adding he expected everyone eligible would
apply.
"Some
of these people have not only lost their loved ones, they have also lost their
main provider."
A
self-styled white supremacist opened fire on Muslims at prayer in two
Christchurch mosques on March 15.
Brenton
Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian" has been charged with 50 counts of
murder and 39 of attempted murder.
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