More than 9,000 people in Samoa have applied for residence in New Zealand and are in today's ballot under the Samoan Quota Scheme.
Samoans walking on the waterfront in Apia. Photo: AFP
Under the scheme, up to 1,100 Samoan citizens may be granted residence in New Zealand every year if they meet certain conditions.
Applicants must be Samoan citizens, aged between 18 and 45, with the principal applicant required to have a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
The names of the successful applicants are will be drawn by ballot today and announced next Friday by Immigration New Zealand.
Those successful in the ballot will have until March the 7th next year to satisfy Immigration New Zealand requirements and lodge their formal residence visa applications.