Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has granted a visa to convicted spot-fixer Mohammad Aamer, who is free to make his return to international cricket on Pakistan's six-game tour.
Aamer was named in the Pakistan squad to play three Twenty20 and three one-day internationals in January but his participation depended on immigration officials approving a visitor visa application.
The fast bowler was 18 when he was handed a five-year ban from cricket in 2011 for his involvement in spot-fixing. He also served three months of a six-month prison term.
Under New Zealand law, any person with a criminal conviction must be granted a visa to enter.
INZ area manager Michael Carley said the support of the New Zealand and Pakistan cricket boards played a part in granting the visa, along with Aamer having served an International Cricket Council ban.
"Taking into account all the circumstances and with full understanding of the purpose of his visit, a visa has been approved ..." he said.
First selected as a 17-year-old, Aamer was the youngest player to take 50 Test wickets.
He was the man of the series against England in 2010 before a sting revealed spot-fixing involvement with then captain Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif.
Since serving his ban, Aamer has excelled in domestic first-class cricket and in the Bangladesh Premier League.
Pakistan's tour begins with a T20 international on Friday week in Auckland.
