New Zealand visa holders will not cover costs of biometrics

The tourism industry is barracking for temporary New Zealand visa holders visiting the country to not bear the cost of installing a biometric information collecting service, reports Radio New Zealand News.

The legislation to collect biometric information of New Zealand visa holders and citizens passing through immigration check points has not yet addressed where the funds will come from.

While the legislation is close to being passed by the Parliament, Tourism Industry Association chief executive Tim Cossar has said that New Zealand visa holders entering the country for a holiday should not have to pay for the biometric technology through a levy.

He added, travellers should expect an easy entry to New Zealand so that the welcoming spirit of New Zealand is felt from the minute they step into the country.

If the bill is passed, iris, fingerprint and photographs scans will be used in airports by 2011.

The New Zealand Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with their New Zealand visa application.