NZ speeds up visas for mosque families

The families of those killed or injured in the Christchurch mosque massacre will be given priority service when applying for visas to visit New Zealand.

New Zealand immigration authorities will fast-track visa applications for the families of people killed or injured in the Christchurch mosque massacre.

Immigration New Zealand's Steve McGill said he wanted to make things as easy as possible for people to lay their loved ones to rest or support family members injured in the mass shooting on Friday.

"These are unprecedented circumstances for everyone and INZ is committed to ensuring we do everything we can to support those who have been affected and make the visa application process as smooth as possible," he said on Monday.

Relatives are planning funerals for those killed in the terror attack, with Islamic tradition dictating that bodies be buried as soon as possible after death.

The massacre has left 50 people dead and another 50 injured.

Authorities expect to be able to release all the bodies to their families by Wednesday.

Immigration authorities are also working through possible options for people on temporary visas who have been affected by the attack.


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Source: AAP


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