Cook Islands Foreign Affairs and Immigration has issued a statement in light of returning Cook Islanders voicing frustration with immigration processes as they arrive home to share Christmas with loved ones.

Principal immigration officer Chere Arthur said it was not unusual to see a spike in Cook Islands status applications at this time of the year.

A number of overseas-based Cook Islanders expressed frustration on Wednesday, saying they were queuing for hours at the Cook Islands Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) office in Avarua, waiting to get a Cook Islands status stamp on their passports.     

Arthur said MFAI had not fielded any concerns, complaints, or frustrations apart from a query from Cook Islands News.

Status applications could be received in person, via email and online through the link on the MFAI website, she said.

“These options are not new as alternate ways to apply were made available during the Covid-19 border closure,” Arthur said.

“While immigration will resume immigration services via an appointment only system, Cook Islands status applications can continue to be processed through our customer service office.

“Cook Islands status applications can be processed through both Immigration offices. While there is only one officer downstairs, there are five officers available in our headquarters office.”

Arthur suggested several options for reducing waiting times.

“Ensure that you have all the documentation ready for processing, as incomplete applications cannot be processed.”

That included passport bio-data, a birth certificate, a Cook Islands born parent/s birth certificate, of a Cook Islands born grandparent/s birth certificate if a parent was born outside the Cook Islands.

She suggested applying ahead of travel by sending documents via email or completing the online form. 

“Once you are on island, you can visit our office to pay the fee and have your passport stamped. If you need a Cook Islands birth, death or marriage certificate, please visit the Ministry of Justice. If you need evidence of land succession, land court minutes or genealogy, please visit the Ministry of Justice.”

It was also important to note that Cook Islands status was mandated within the Cook Islands Immigration Act 2021, and if people are intending to return home and haven’t applied for Cook Islands Status, they can still travel home, advices Arthur. 

“Please remember that the Cook Islands does not have their own passport. Cook Islands Status is recognition of your Cook Islands descent and that you have continuing rights to travel to, enter and reside at will in the Cook Islands.

“If you don’t have the Cook Islands Status stamp in your passport, you may be asked a few more questions on arrival. The Immigration border team will also encourage you to apply for Cook Islands status while you are on Rarotonga.

“Please don’t take offence if our border team ask you if you are a Cook Islander, as they are only doing their job.”