The Niuean Visa Exemption formerly known as the Niuean Status sticker/stamp are now available at the Niue Immigration Office at Fonuakula. But the public’s reaction to the cost of obtaining the sticker has not been very positive with locals complaining about the hefty cost of $100 for adults and $50 for children’s passports.
Several weeks ago Chief Immigration Officer-Margaret Siosikefu explained the changes and the costs to BCN News. At that time the stickers were not yet available but last week a notice was posted on the Office of the Secretary of Government Niue Facebook that the new stickers were now available at the Immigration Department and the fees applicable.
In response, locals expressed their disappointment on this new Visa Exemption Sticker fee increase commenting on the post… Some of the comments asked for justification for an increase from $5 to$100 and others called it Daylight Robbery.
BCN News reached out to Solicitor General Justin Kamupala regarding this fee increase and if it was mandatory under the Immigration Law. Kamupala states the immigration sticker is to define the holder as a person who is a descendant of a Niue person and is therefore allowed to enter Niue on a one-way or returning plane ticket; this was done to get around an airline or the International Air Transport Association requirement.
He adds the cost of doing this is not legislated and thinks immigration can charge what they believe is appropriate to offset their costs and people are not required by law to have this sticker, but will be asked questions by the airline if they wish to fly one way to Niue.