Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio has assured the Pacific community that any information they share with health workers when they go to receive their Covid vaccinations will not be shared with Inland Revenue or Immigration.
“They are simply kept as records for our Covid response.”
Confusion and mistrust has been felt, especially by overstayers, after an incident in Tauranga where a Pasifika family was asked for their passports when they went to get their vaccinations.
“I have publicly stated that there is no requirement from this government for a passport or any ID,” says Sio.
“What will happen, though, is when people do go in to get tested or get vaccinated, they will ask for an NHI number – a national health number. If they don’t have that number, it will be created for them. People just need to fill in the form with their name and other contact details.”
Last week Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said work is being done on an amnesty for overstayers. Sio says he has participated in discussions but could not give a timeframe on an amnesty, which falls under the Immigration Reset led by Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi and the Prime Minister.
“The Government will make up its own decision at a certain time when they have got all the facts and have received full information and advice from the Ministry of Immigration.”
Overstayers cannot claim government support such as the wage subsidy. However, Sio says they are able to apply for the Emergency Benefit and other sources of support.
“They are all eligible for the Covid-19 Response. They are also being supported by many of our providers, particularly Pasifika Futures, who’s providing the Whānau Ora response across the country,” says Sio.
For more from Aupito William Sio, watch the Talanoa on Tagata Pasifika this Saturday 4 September, 9.30am on TVNZ 1 and later on tpplus.co.nz
