[PaoLe]

This morning we received an email from an immigration agent with the following:

"There may be a change in Government following the elections next week and if this is the case, changes to the New Zealand Migrant Programme are likely to follow. We recommend that if you are interested in obtaining visas for New Zealand that you proceed with your application without delay."

We are still waiting for the house selling and for some documentation from OH's University. And we thought we had time to do all correctly... But now we are wondering if we are going to have enough time to proceed with our application :wah

Any advice will be welcome :uhoh

[BkyMonster]

I think the agent is trying to get you to spend money sooner rather than later.

I can't imagine that changes would be rapid (oh bureaucracy!) immediately after an election. Unless NZ somehow has the different sort of politicians that get things done in a hurry?
Doesn't NZIS have set periods in which they evaluate their procedures? Ever 6 months or something. At the very least see when they next adjustment period is before panicking :) from the NZIS website it looks they they aren't doing a review of the skill shortage lists until March 09.

[kiwigirl]

If National get in there are going to be BIG changes to immigration laws, it will be even harder to migrate here. Some changes will take effect immediatley.

Kiwigirl

[ourquest]

If National get in there are going to be BIG changes to immigration laws, it will be even harder to migrate here. Some changes will take effect immediatley.

Kiwigirl

I would be interested to know how you know this?

[ant7jen]

Why would there be changes? I assume there will be stricter changes in the immigration laws? This concerns me to think that NZ doesnt want to accept as many immigrants entering NZ. If anything, couldn't they just limit the number of migrants wanting to migrate? Do they think migrates are changing the face of NZ?

[ant7jen]

I been doing some reading and thought I would pass along........


http://www.stuff.co.nz/vote08/4744072a28479.html


This package outlines in brief the law and order, health, tax, savings and superannuation, economic, welfare, education, Treaty of Waitangi, transport, climate change, environment, immigration and foreign, defence and trade policies of parties currently holding seats in Parliament.


Where policies are yet to be released, or are to be updated, this has been noted.


IMMIGRATION

ACT: Increase flow of skilled migrants; make it easier for migrants to transfer qualifications; five-year probation period in which immigrants can be deported for imprisonable offence.

LABOUR: 2008 policy not yet released.

MAORI PARTY: 2008 policy not yet released.

NATIONAL: initiate a one-stop-shop approach to servicing the needs of returning New Zealanders; Streamline employer accreditation policies to recruit overseas; cut red tape around hiring seasonal workers; make it easier for people with tertiary qualifications to seek work.

GREENS: Increase refugee quota from 750 to 1000 by 2010; increase resources for resettlement programmes, including English language and job assistance; review migrant numbers regularly taking into account social and environmental factors; keep population below 5.7 million.

NZ FIRST: "Drastically reduce" inflow of migrants; ensure potential migrants speak English, are in good health and have a job; limit refugee family reunification category to spouses and include them in annual 750 quota; implement better settlement programmes; reject refugees with serious criminal convictions.

PROGRESSIVE: Prioritise skilled immigrants that meet New Zealand's economic needs; boost resettlement and English language programmes for migrants.

UNITED FUTURE: Maintain or increase skilled immigration; provide better support and settlement programmes; develop 10-year population strategy; create incentives to promote migration to the regions; more funding for immigration service.

[ant7jen]

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Peters wants immigration cuts to protect jobs
4:00AM Friday Oct 17, 2008
By Patrick Gower



Winston Peters. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Election '08
Key and Clark spar over rival lay-off packages
Major roading announcement within days - King
.NZ First leader Winston Peters has predictably played the immigration card, saying numbers should be cut to protect Kiwi jobs during tough economic times.

Mr Peters used a campaign speech in Nelson to say "when times are tough internationally immigrants are attracted to New Zealand like moths to a neon light".

"During times when New Zealanders' jobs are at risk, immigration will be cut to ensure Kiwis did not have to compete with immigrants for jobs."

Mr Peters said this suggested reducing the immigration quota from 50,000 to 10,000.

He called for an end to the abuse of the family reunification policy "in other words, only immediate family".

Mr Peters called the free trade agreement with China "foolish", saying it would allow Chinese companies "to set up here and bring in their own labour".

"It is a great idea, as long as you are not a New Zealander looking for a job, or a manufacturer trying to compete against a foreign company that has no labour laws."

Prime Minister Helen Clark, who appointed Mr Peters Minister of Foreign Affairs, said cutting the quota would not be sensible.

"There's never been a time in New Zealand's history when we didn't need to bring in skilled people."

Ms Clark, who was speaking at a Hamilton mosque, said immigration was Mr Peters' "bread and butter" .

[ant7jen]

Last one......



16 October 2008 - There is an old military rule that you never fight a war on two fronts.

We are not at war - but we do face serious challenges on two fronts.

One challenge is economic - the other is social.

To survive the serious problems ahead we must win on both fronts.

Our first challenge is economic - the fallout from the global finance crisis.

Clearly no one can safely predict where key economic indicators are going to be on a week to week or a month to month basis.

We will leave that to the speculators, money market manipulators and foreign exchange dealers.

Nor are we interested in wallowing in gloom and doom, like some economic commentators. But it would be foolish to ignore the volatility of the global economy brought on by the property bubble bursting.

That has taken down finance companies, slashed the equity in family homes and thousands of people, many retired, have lost their savings.

You will notice that everybody is putting forward their so-called credentials to address the economic crisis.

But none of our opponents will tell you what it really takes to save New Zealand jobs.

All New Zealanders know this country was built by immigrants.

All of us come from some place else.

Polynesian people travelled across vast distances of unknown seas to reach these shores more than a thousand years ago.

British and Europeans came from the other side of the world searching for a better life.

These peoples combined to make New Zealand one of the best places on earth.

Now it is again time to have an honest debate about immigration.

The Reserve Bank and Treasury forecasts all say unemployment is set to rise by around 100,000 jobs over the next three years.

When you translate this into household incomes - these unemployment figures affect around 250,000 people.

These are ordinary New Zealanders whose lives would be thrown into turmoil because of the downturn.

We have been through this before. Remember the 1990's when hundreds of thousands of New Zealand jobs were lost in the name of globalisation?

We can't let that happen again.

There was another side to the 1990s problem that nobody will front up to - immigration.

Not only were New Zealanders losing their jobs in thousands - but New Zealand was also foolishly bringing in over 50,000 immigrants a year to compete for jobs.

When our economy is expanding quickly, unemployment is low and legitimate skill and labour market shortages exist, then immigration is required to grow our economy.

But this must be based on meeting legitimate labour market shortages as part of a wider population policy.

New Zealand First is announcing today that immigration numbers will be cut to ensure Kiwis do not have to compete with immigrants for jobs as our economy goes into decline. We repeat that - during times when New Zealanders' jobs are at risk, immigration will be cut to ensure Kiwis do not have to compete with immigrants for jobs.

We must never return to open door immigration undermining the efforts of New Zealanders trying to find a job in tough times.

When times are tough internationally immigrants are attracted to New Zealand like moths to a neon light.

We must simply be smarter about how we do immigration.

We must have a population policy - and one in which ordinary New Zealanders can have an input.

It must be linked explicitly to labour market needs. No job - no immigrant.

We must also end the abuse of the family reunification policy - in other words only immediate family.

We must have a civics education programme that ensures all immigrants know and understand our uniquely Kiwi values and way of life.

We must also address the dysfunction within the immigration service - and the first step must be to create a stand alone Immigration department.

We must be more vigilant in addressing immigration fraud.

But the critical part of immigration policy - must be to ensure that we do not undermine New Zealand workers.

New Zealand First immigration policy is all about protecting and saving New Zealand jobs.

Thousands of local jobs have been lost through manufacturers moving their operations to China.

And then this country foolishly signed up to a free trade agreement with China.

Part of that agreement allows Chinese companies to set up here and to bring in their own labour.

It's a great idea - as long as you are not a New Zealander looking for a job, or a manufacturer trying to compete against a foreign company that has no labour laws.

We will ensure that the free trade agreement is not used as a back door device to bring in cheap labour.

Our campaign slogan this election is "Protect and Save Your New Zealand".

That includes protecting and saving our senior citizens.

Over the past three years we have: Increased superannuation by over $70 a week for married couples and $40 for singles. Put more than half a billion dollars extra into eldercare.

Introduced the SuperGold Card with free off-peak travel on public transport.

Gained higher subsidies for hearing aids.

Slowed Labour's politically correct social engineering agenda.

Provided 1000 more frontline police and 250 support staff to make communities safer.

But there is a lot more to be done over the next three years.

New Zealand Superannuation is not high enough.

We know that there is an economic crisis, and we have plans to deal with that, but this does not mean some of our seniors should wallow in poverty-like conditions.

We intend to increase Superannuation to 68% of the Net Average Wage for married couples, with similar adjustments for singles.

We also want to change the rebate level for those who are non-qualified spouses to bring it into line with the widows' benefit and raise the rebate from $80 to $100 and ensure it is indexed to the CPI.

And we must deal with the issue of overseas pensions once and for all.

While we secured a review of these and some minor changes, the reality is that the only fair and equitable solution is a 1 in 45 year formula, based on years resident in each jurisdiction.

This is the fairest method of ensuring nobody double dips.

New Zealanders who have lived and worked here all their lives are not disadvantaged, and those who have worked offshore for part of their working life get what they are entitled to.

We believe the SuperGold Card can be even better.

We will introduce a power subsidy of $300 per household with a SuperGold Card over the winter months.

While this is an additional $50 million, again the savings in health and other budgets from having warmer houses more than covers this cost.

We also want to see doctor's visits even cheaper for our senior citizens.

While we have secured much extra needed funding into the eldercare sector there is still much more that needs to be done on this front.

Nurses working in the eldercare sector should be paid the same as those working for public hospitals and we should also pay carers more as well.

We are going to set up a New Zealand Fund to buy back strategic assets flogged off to foreign interests.

This ensures that New Zealand investors keep their money and their profits right here.

And we are going to stop the threat to New Zealand home owners and businesses from usurious interest rates.

There's no excuse for interest rates to be more than twice the inflation rate, and credit card rates over six times the inflation rate.

New Zealanders are being screwed by foreign owned banks and finance dealers.

The profits should stay in New Zealand. We're being kept poor by decisions made in foreign boardrooms.

And another point of great importance to you.

We are going to protect your homes and your streets by banning gangs and mounting a war against crime.

For those who want to break the crime habit we will help them with rehabilitation programmes.

The legislation is ready, we have the extra police and they will get whatever powers needed to put the criminals away - until they mend their ways or grow too old to commit crimes.

There is something else we have to raise here today.

New Zealand First has been targeted by people who don't want us around after the next election.

People who want to sell your taxpayer funded assets.

We would stop them - it's as simple as that.

National plans to give accident compensation to Australian insurance companies.

The deal was done months before the election but it is being sold as "giving New Zealanders a choice".

Words to hide their real intention.

There is $2 billion a year at stake here.

It means that if you have an accident you will have to rely on an Aussie insurance company to look after you.

Another great idea! The work on this policy has been going on for months.

It is what National did the last time they were in government.

How do you think National is getting millions of dollars of campaign funds?

By being nice smiley guys?

We would never let the ACC system be hijacked.

We will not let the Australian insurance companies siphon off $2 billion from New Zealand each year.

These are the National policies that you don't hear about.

Before the Serious Fraud Office admitted there was nothing in the yellow canary's allegations John Key said we were guilty and ruled us out.

Just like Don Brash and his mates did in 2005.

Remember this when you vote for a new government.

New Zealand First will protect you. We will save the ACC scheme.

We will protect Kiwi jobs. We will save them from cheap, imported labour.

Vote for protection and safety,

Vote for New Zealand First

[BkyMonster]

All I found on National's policies is that they wanted to create a looking for work visa of 24 months as well as allow investors to come in easier.

http://www.prlog.org/10122465-nationals-propose-major-change-to-new-zealand-immigration-policy.html

Be interested in more information on all of it really as I'm not done yet.

[ant7jen]

If there is a position in a company that needs to be filled and the employer cannot find a Kiwi who can fill the position, they will look overseas to fill the position as it always has been. I asume that this will remain the same? It would not be fair to a company to be refused the right to look overseas to hire a position to fill. I can't see NZ telling an employer that they cannot fill a position by a migrant and "tuff it out or fail" additude.

[kanatakiwi]

If National get in there are going to be BIG changes to immigration laws, it will be even harder to migrate here. Some changes will take effect immediatley.

Kiwigirl

Hi Kiwigirl, I'm interested in your comments too. I can understand the assumption about National limiting migration but havent seen anything concrete to back it up. Also as all the immigration "rules" are legislation or policy based, I don't think it would be easy to affect any changes immediately.

If National follows through with their promise to trim the public service it could mean that NZIS will need to do more with less staff, a result which would increase waiting times, and they may say they will limit migration for certain categories, such a refugees etc, but in reality politicians say these things, but when they get elected they often find, a/. there is not a lot of fat to trim because those workers are needed, b./ if you take each case on its merits, it could be hard to limit migration, because NZ needs skill workers.

There are some loopholes they could close, such as not allowing people to come on a visitors visa and then apply for a work visa once they chase up a job, but again , in reality how would they police that?

I guess I am saying that its normal for political parties to talk tough during an election, but I am not sure what they would really do to NZ's immigration system, it seems to work pretty well for the most part.

So do tell, do you know something the rest of us don't? or just not a National fan?
KK

[IanW99]

As others have said, it would take some time for changes to rules and regulations to come into force if the rules were changed.

The main thing that would likely affect immigration rules quickly is a change to the number allowed in per year.

The only party that I am aware of that wants to significantly reduce the number of immigrants is NZ First.

The advice to get your application in soon is still sound (IMO) as it has already been mentioned several times recently that if there are a lot of job losses in NZ due to the recession, then they will restrict numbers.

As a side note, one thing that National are trying to bring in is a new retirement visa so it is possible for people to come to NZ to retire.

Ian

[kiwigirl]

Unfortunately I am unable to reveal my source as I am not going to put their job on the line, but believe me if National get in there will be big changes to immigration, including the entry criteria, it will be much harder, and here is why, skilled Kiwi's are being laid off by the handful everyday, companies are closing down daily, and not just small companies either, Carter Holt have closed three big saw mills in the last 6 months, Fonterra have reduced their staffing levels, Fisher and Pykle have gone over seas, furniture manufacturers are going overseas as they can't compete with China, Construction companies are going bankrupt, laying off even more skilled workers. If, as National say they are going to do in reducing Government sector jobs, many more will be unemployed, skills shortage will be way down, so they will be able to pick and choose who they let in and make it very hard to pass the criteria. NZ is in for some hard times ahead.

[granger]

Believe me if Labour get in there will be big changes to immigration, including the entry criteria, it will be much harder, ..... etc etc

I can even reveal my source http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10540770

[IanW99]

...
skilled Kiwi's are being laid off by the handful everyday, companies are closing down daily, and not just small companies either, Carter Holt have closed three big saw mills in the last 6 months, Fonterra have reduced their staffing levels, Fisher and Pykle have gone over seas, furniture manufacturers are going overseas as they can't compete with China, Construction companies are going bankrupt, laying off even more skilled workers...


I'm glad that you have noticed the state of NZ whilst in the hands of a Labour governement :exit

Ian

[BkyMonster]

While they say it is a recession (The US recession-and denial thereof :laugh- has left me jaded- NZ IMO seems far more prosperous so hard for me to be objective), there are likely to be changes to immigration just because of the global economic situation. I really have a hard time believing that any government, change or no, could do anything to the SMC before NZIS's scheduled review in March 2009.

Other things like make work permits harder to get for jobs not on the LTSSL I can see. Not allow people in to deal with National skill shortages? That seems like an unwise move for a country that seems to rely on overseas experience.


Maybe 5 years after they create some kind of incentive for NZ educated workers to stay (that no payment of student loans if you go overseas--I must say that looks like it encourages the current NZ skilled worker shortage situation). Until then? Probably not IMO
:exit

[kiwigirl]

I'm glad that you have noticed the state of NZ whilst in the hands of a Labour governement :exit

Ian

Oh stupid me, I thought Labour had been in power for the last NINE years when things were good, not just the past one!!!!
I take it you lived in NZ when the National party where last in power?

Anyway this thread isn't about personal political preferences.

Hannah

[kanatakiwi]

Oh stupid me, I thought Labour had been in power for the last NINE years when things were good, not just the past one!!!!
I take it you lived in NZ when the National party where last in power?

Anyway this thread isn't about personal political preferences.

Hannah

There is an entire generation of new voters who have no experience of what it was like in NZ under National.

[Gran]

Kiwi Girl,
I was in NZ when the last National Govt. was in power and many other National Govts before. I am reminded of the "Mother of all budgets",the policy of unemployment to keep wages down, the Employment contract act, etc. the list goes on. The name Shipley, and her mate Bill English echo from history.