not allowed to enter NZ for being gay or political views ? :(

10POSTS

7 years ago

Hello everyone.

Two friends of mine have problems in entering NZ due to a rather surprising reason. They prefer not to post directly. They are British like me.

One of them was deported from Iran for being gay, since homosexuality in Iran is illegal.

The other was denied entry ("excluded") from a dictatorship because he was there as a journalist writing in favour of human rights.

In both cases it seems they can't enter NZ unless they request a "special direction", which means they need to apply for a visa and can't travel visa-free like other UK citizens.

Does this make any sense ?

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Fred Indonesia Expert

30549POSTS

7 years ago

A million variables in things like this.
Being gay doesn't mean much in most countries and being deported from a country for being gay is less than likely to do much in most other countries.
Political activism is another thing as many countries don't want people who could cause problems.

stumpy Laos Expert

18028POSTS

7 years ago

It does make sense. Being gay has nothing to do with it.
The reason would be due to having written about human rights and then being denied entry because of this.

Fred Indonesia Expert

30549POSTS

7 years ago

Iran does tend to get a little shirty when it come to people who attempt to counter their version of what should be, but even that would likely have little effect on entry into New Zealand.
There has to be more.

stumpy Laos Expert

18028POSTS

7 years ago

I agree with Fred in that there may be more.
The process may well be just a necessary formality for Immigration records or there is something you are not divulging.

schaz VIP Member

1458POSTS

7 years ago

Considering enormous LGBT rights in New Zealand and freedom of speech, the entry shouldn't be a problem.

Netnz Active member

59POSTS

7 years ago

Definitely won't be because of any issues arising from being gay - it is very unusual for British citizens to be denied entry into NZ (NZ has a very high British population).