U.S. conservative commentator Candace Owens has had her visa application denied by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), as reported by Stuff, a New Zealand news outlet. Owens applied for an Entertainers Work Visa but was rejected due to her prior ban from Australia.
INZ confirmed the denial, stating, “Under section 15(1)(f) of the Immigration Act, an individual may not be granted a visa to come to New Zealand if they have been excluded from another country.” This means that her previous exclusion from Australia played a significant role in the decision.
Owens was barred from entering Australia in October 2023. Australian officials expressed concerns that she could “incite discord.” Immigration Minister Tony Burke noted that her past comments did not align with Australia’s national interest. Owens has faced criticism for her controversial statements, including those that downplay the Holocaust, leading to accusations of antisemitism and homophobia.
The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand had previously urged caution regarding Owens’s visa application. Deborah Hart, the center’s chairperson, described some of Owens’s beliefs as “wacky,” including conspiracy theories about the moon landing and claims regarding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Owens was scheduled to speak at an event in Auckland on November 14, 2023, but this event was postponed amid growing controversy surrounding her visit. INZ emphasized that all visa applicants must undergo a character assessment, which considers criminal history, deportation records, and potential risks to New Zealand’s security and public order.
The rejection of Owens’s visa aligns with Australian authorities’ earlier decision to deny her entry based on concerns about her ability to incite discord through her remarks. Burke highlighted that Australia’s national interest is better served without Owens’s presence.
Despite these visa issues, tickets for Owens’s events remain available, and the promoter has not addressed her inability to enter either country.
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