Grace Mugabe visa restriction

At a glance

E2.55 restricts the grant of any visa (including transit visas) and entry permission to Grace Mugabe, wife of the late Robert Mugabe, and prohibits student visas for the adult children of Robert or Grace Mugabe. An exception exists where special circumstances are demonstrated and a senior immigration officer with Schedule 1–3 delegation approves. [E2.55]

Definition

Section E2.55 is a specific provision that overrides the general visa and entry permission rules. It applies to:

• Grace Mugabe, identified as the wife of the late Robert Mugabe, former President of Zimbabwe.
• The adult children of Robert or Grace Mugabe, but only for the purpose of student visas.

The restriction covers all visa types, including transit visas, and entry permission. It took effect on 2 December 2019 and remains in force unless INZ grants relief under special circumstances. [E2.55]

Application in decisions

When an immigration officer processes a visa application from Grace Mugabe, or a student visa application from an adult child of Robert or Grace Mugabe, they must ordinarily refuse under E2.55. If the applicant claims special circumstances, they must provide cogent and reliable evidence. The officer assesses that evidence; if satisfied, they may grant the visa, but only if the officer holds a Schedule 1–3 delegation (see A15.5). Officers without that delegation cannot grant the visa even if special circumstances exist. [E2.55]

Interpretation & edge cases

• Special circumstances: E2.55 does not define what constitutes “special circumstances.” This is left to the officer's discretion, but must be supported by “cogent and reliable evidence.” In practice, this might include compelling humanitarian or family reasons.
• Transit visas: Explicitly included in the restriction, so even a short-term transit through New Zealand is blocked.
• Adult children: The provision refers to the “adult children” of Robert or Grace Mugabe. The age threshold for adulthood (18 or 20) is not specified in E2.55, but would typically be determined by New Zealand law or INZ practice.
• Student visa only: The restriction on the children applies only to student visas; other visa types for those children are not explicitly prohibited (though other character or policy grounds may apply).
• Delegation: The decision to grant a visa can only be made by officers with Schedule 1–3 delegations, as referenced in A15.5. Lower‑level delegated officers cannot override the restriction.
• Not general: This section is a targeted prohibition, not a general policy. It does not affect other individuals.

[E2.55]

Citations

• E2.55 — Restriction on the grant of visas to Grace Mugabe