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Passengers stranded at airports around Europe due to volcanic ash - Source: Reuters -
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Immigration New Zealand will waive fees for people who have had to apply for permits to remain in New Zealand because of flight delays following volcanic activity in Europe, Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman says.
An erupting Iceland volcano closed air space over Europe for several days.
Restrictions on international air travel were lifted on Wednesday.
Air New Zealand says seven flights will operate between New Zealand and Europe in the next 24 hours in an attempt to clear the backlog.
Coleman says fees will also be waived for those with visas to New Zealand that are about to expire and are unable to travel here because of the disruptions.
The government was "very sympathetic" to travellers who are stranded and a backlog of passengers is likely to remain despite flights starting to take off, he says.
"We don't want to cause any further unnecessary stress to tourists by charging them money to stay in New Zealand longer than they were expecting."
Those who have paid for a visa or permit in the last few days will be eligible for a refund, Coleman says.
