Section 17 — Immigration Act 2009: Exceptions to non-eligibility for visa or entry permission

17 Exceptions to non-eligibility for visa or entry permission (1) Despite sections 15 and 16 , a visa and entry permission may be granted to any person— (a) in accordance with a special direction; or (b) in accordance with section 83 . (2) Despite sections 15 and 16 ,— (a) entry permission must be granted to— (i) the holder of a permanent resident visa; and (ii) the holder of a resident visa granted in New Zealand; and (iii) the holder of a resident visa arriving in New Zealand for a second or subsequent time as the holder of the visa: (b) a visa and entry permission must be granted to a person who is for the time being entitled to any immunity from jurisdiction by or under the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act 1968 (other than a person referred to in section 10D(2)(d) of that Act) or the Consular Privileges and Immunities Act 1971 . (3) A decision to grant a visa and entry permission under subsection (1) is in the absolute discretion of the decision maker. Compare: 1987 No 74 ss 7(3), (4) , 11(1)(a)