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National's Māori Development spokesperson wants to see returning New Zealanders being chased for some of the costs of their managed isolation.
Jo Hayes says the $370 million paid so far is a drain on taxpayers.
Some expatriates are campaigning against the possible charges, which they say could be in breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their rights as citizens.
National favours a $3000 payment.
"This is actually draining taxpayer money. It could be spent in other areas like job creation and all that important stuff, housing homelessness, child poverty, it could be all be part and parcel of that. If you want to come back to New Zealand you should be expected to pay. Those coming back have put up this argument saying 'it has cost us a lot of money.' Sometimes that is the price you have to pay when you have to come home," she says.
Jo Hayes also wants to see tough penalties for people who escape from managed isolation or quarantine.
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