New Zealand requires Israelis to provide details of their military service as condition of entry
The New Zealand Immigration Authority has begun asking Israelis applying for an entry visa to disclose details of their military service as a condition for visiting the country, Israeli media reported yesterday.
The measure comes against the backdrop of the genocidal war waged by Israel with American support against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip between 7 October 2023 and 19 January 2025.
The Times of Israel reported: “Israelis of reserve service age who applied for tourist visas to New Zealand have been asked to report whether they had served in the Israel Defence Forces — as almost all Israeli citizens are required to do — and whether they are active reservists.”
“Those who answered affirmatively were required to complete detailed questionnaires about their military service,” the newspaper added.
READ: Activists launch ‘genocide hotline’ to track Israeli soldiers holidaying in New Zealand
Questions included details about the dates of their military service, the location of their bases, the corps and units in which they served, the military camps where they were stationed, their rank, details of their roles, and their military ID number.
The paper added that they were also asked: “Have you been associated with any group or organisation that has used or promoted violence or human rights abuses to further their aims?” and “Have you committed or been involved in war crimes, crimes against humanity, or human rights abuses?”
Those who are unable to complete the questionnaire for security reasons are unable to obtain a visa. As a result of the new measure, at least one Israeli occupation army soldier has been denied entry to New Zealand, the Times of Israel reported.
Australia has been operating a similar policy, and at least two Israelis have been denied entry as a result.
Human rights organisations, including the Hind Rajab Foundation, are pursuing Israeli soldiers who participated in the genocide in Gaza, and are seeking to bring them before local courts in the countries they visit.