The bill ensures the Government has the ongoing ability to issue loans to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who require consular assistance while overseas and are facing exceptional circumstances. The bill, by empowering the Minister of Foreign Affairs and their delegates, allows New Zealand's consular officials to continue the longstanding practice of issuing consular loans where it is essential to ensure the immediate safety and wellbeing of citizens offshore. That practice has been in place for at least the last 25 years.