Fees and waivers
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Information on this page can be attributed to a managed isolation and quarantine spokesperson.
We take the recovery of the money owed for MIQ stays very seriously. Fundamentally it is taxpayers money and people should repay what they owe.
Fees were introduced to share the costs of MIQ in a way that fairly reflects the benefits of having a robust system that protects the New Zealand public, and to those who enter the country.
If returnees arrived before 20 August 2021 and are liable for MIQ fees, they will have 90 days from the date their invoice is issued to pay their bill.
If returnees arrived on or after 20 August 2021 and are liable for MIQ fees, they will have 30 days from the date their invoice is issued to pay their bill.
MBIE can grant a full or partial waiver of fees in cases of financial hardship or other special circumstances, or arrange a deferment of payment, for temporary entry visa class holders.
MIQ sends reminders before the due date which include details of how to pay, how to apply for an instalment plan, and what to do if the person considers they are not liable or are exempt.
After the due date a further letter will be sent requesting payment. This letter also contains details about how to apply for an instalment plan.
If the person does not contact or pay, a decision will be made about the most appropriate course of action, including debt collection agency referral. This decision will be made applying a consistent set of factors and would only occur when it is 90 days or more overdue.
Data and stats about fees and waivers
By the time MIQ was wound down in August 2022, a total of $210.606 million worth of MIQ invoices had been issued. As at 30 September 2024, $158.311 million of this had been paid, and $33.463 million had been waived.
The total outstanding unpaid debt is $18.832 million. This has been passed to debt collection agencies.
The majority of people who stayed in MIQ either paid or made an arrangement to pay promptly. MBIE takes the recovery of the remaining money owed for MIQ stays very seriously and continues to work with debt collection agencies to ensure the outstanding amount is paid. Fundamentally it is taxpayers’ money which should be repaid.