New Zealand gives permanent residence to Christchurch attack victims' families

New Zealand opened a new scheme on Wednesday for people directly affected by the Christchurch terror attacks to apply, within two years, to stay indefinitely in the country.

The exceptional visa category "recognises the impact of the tragedy on the lives of those most affected, and gives people currently on temporary and resident visas some certainty" about their status, Immigration New Zealand said in a statement on Tuesday.

All people living in New Zealand and were present at one of the mosques and their immediate family based in the country will qualify for the visa.

"People directly affected by the terrorist attacks in Christchurch and their families can now apply for permanent residence in New Zealand if they want to," said the statement.

Immediate family, as defined by Immigration New Zealand, include a wide circle of family members including partner's family and the grandparents of children under 25.

Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian, killed multiple Muslim worshippers during Friday prayers on 15 March in a livestreamed attack on Facebook.

The terror attack was described by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as "one of New Zealand's darkest days".

The white supremacist has been charged with 50 counts of murder and 39 of attempted murder over the attacks.

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