Tuvalu's Prime Minister says New Zealand's government should improve the status of Tuvaluans living in New Zealand and grant his citizens free access.
Enele Sopoaga says many Tuvaluans go to New Zealand for better opportunities but end up becoming overstayers.
Tuvalu's Prime Minister, Enele Sopoaga, and New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, cut the ribbon to open Tuvalu's High Commission. Photo: RNZI / Jamie Tahana
Mr Sopoaga says New Zealand authorities sometimes aren't understanding of Tuvaluans' plight and says he doesn't see a need to be particular about overstayers.
He says he's hoping to raise the issue of improving the status of Tuvaluans -- and other Polynesians -- with New Zealand's government and says there should be visa free entry, similar to that between New Zealand and Australia.
"I don't think there is a need to be particular about overstayers. The point is to get a better understanding on improving the status of Tuvaluans here in New Zealand. Give them an opportunity, improve their status, and they will contribute to the economy as workers, as legal stayers, not as overstayers."
Enele Sopoaga.
