The Act Party has revealed a six-point immigration campaign policy plan ahead of the November 2026 election in New Zealand [1].
The proposal signals a shift toward stricter welfare eligibility and enforcement, potentially altering the financial incentives for migrants choosing New Zealand as a destination.
Central to the plan is a restriction on social services for new arrivals. The Act Party said it will campaign on barring new residence class visa migrants from accessing social welfare during their first five [1] years in the country.
This policy aims to ensure that new residents are financially self-sufficient before utilizing state-funded support systems. By implementing a five-year [1] waiting period, the party seeks to reduce the immediate burden on the national welfare budget.
In addition to welfare restrictions, the party's strategy includes the creation of a specialized enforcement unit. This unit would be tasked specifically with combating visa overstays to ensure compliance with immigration laws [1].
The six-point plan forms the basis of the party's broader strategy for the upcoming election cycle. These measures reflect a focus on tighter border control, and a more restrictive approach to the integration of new residents into the public sector [1].
Party representatives said the policies are designed to maintain the integrity of the immigration system. The focus remains on attracting migrants who can contribute to the economy without requiring immediate state assistance [1].
“Act will campaign on barring new residence class visa migrants from accessing social welfare during their first five years here”
These proposals indicate a move toward a 'contribution-first' immigration model, where the state minimizes initial financial risk. By linking residency to a prolonged period of welfare exclusion and increasing deportation enforcement through a specialized unit, the Act Party is positioning itself as the candidate for fiscal conservatism and strict rule-of-law adherence in the 2026 election.
