A new consulate-general in Mumbai will improve New Zealand visa processing times
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04 September 2009
New consulate-general in Mumbai to process New Zealand visas
New Zealand will open a consulate-general in India's business nerve centre Mumbai, a move that will improve New Zealand visa processing times the New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser said.
Groser announced the new consulate-general, which will be responsible for New Zealand visa processing and furthering trade and investment partnerships, while attending a World Trade Organisation meeting in New Delhi recently.
"India is a market that has the potential to be of huge long term importance for New Zealand - it is expected to be one of the world's three largest economies by 2050," he said.
"Having an official presence in one of India's largest cities will be hugely beneficial to our ability to make the most of the significant trade and business opportunities for New Zealand."
Last year more than 6000 Indian students took up a New Zealand student visa to study in New Zealand and over 22,000 Indian tourists visited the country.
"Both sectors are showing positive growth, despite the downturn," Mr Groser said.
The New Zealand Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in New Zealand visa and immigration services.
