Brazil and New Zealand may adopt a new visa standard, designed especially for youngsters, that will allow citizens from both countries to study and work in the other for up to one year. The announcement regarding this negotiation was made on Thursday (26) by the new Brazilian ambassador to New Zealand, first class minister Manoel Antonio da Fonseca Couto Gomes Pereira, whose indication was unanimously approved by the Committee on External Relations and National Defense (CRE).

After 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States and the adoption of stricter rules for Brazilians admission in the European Union countries, Pereira observed, many young people have begun to choose New Zealand as one of the main destinations not only for vacation, but also for learning English. The exchange has been favored by visa exemption for tourists, brought up on 2004.

The new visa mechanism currently under analysis – it has been adopted in agreements between New Zealand and other countries such as Argentina, Chile and Uruguay – may enhance trends for increase in youngsters exchange from both countries, said Pereira. According to him, there are currently around five thousand Brazilians living in New Zealand. From these, about one thousand are working irregularly in resorts. Up to now, Pereira informed, there has been no complaints on the irregular situation of these workers.

- It is perhaps because of the prosperous times and full employment in New Zealand – said Pereira.

Another priority in the bilateral relationship, he affirmed, is the increase in scientific exchange from both countries during the 4th Polar International Year, since New Zealanders have a tradition in exploring Antarctica. Pereira reckoned the bilateral trade is still modest - US$ 83 million – for both countries, since they are more like competitors than complementary partners.

As he accepted Pereira for the post, the rapporteur for the indication message praised Pereira’s work during the mission by Brazilian parliamentary officers in the United States, where they visited Brazilians who had been arrested under the accusation of illegal immigration.

- I would like to mention the outstanding participation of the ambassador Pereira in repatriating Brazilians from the United States – said Crivella.

CRE meeting was chaired by senators Cristovam Buarque (PDT-DF) e Mozarildo Cavalcanti (PTB-RR).