ENZ
30th June 2006, 12:49 PM
More new migrants will be welcomed under the New Zealand Residence Programme during the next 12 months in response to continued skill shortages, Immigration Minister David Cunliffe announced today.
“Up to 52,000 places offered to migrants means more vacancies will be filled,” Mr Cunliffe said.
“This will help employers who continue to say skill shortages are a constraint to the growth of their businesses, and will contribute to economic growth.”
There will be a minimum of 47,000 and maximum of 52,000 places available for the 2006-07 year. This is the highest number since the 2001-02 year.
“More fundamental changes to the residence programme are being looked at by the government for the 2007-08 financial year,” the minister said.
“One option being considered is setting the residence programme in place for several years at a time.”
Mr Cunliffe also announced a policy change that means more skilled migrants with work experience in areas of “absolute skill shortage” will gain points towards residence in New Zealand.
Effective from 24 July, work experience in countries considered non-comparable labour markets, such as India and China, will be recognised in areas of absolute skill shortages.
Absolute skill shortages are defined as world-wide shortages that show little sign of easing.
“This includes occupations such as IT professionals, plumbers and engineers, and will mean we don’t miss out on these types of highly talented people, no matter where they’re from.”
Applicants will be required to have recognised qualifications in their area of skill, and meet any registration requirements of their occupation. They will also need to meet standard immigration criteria.
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=26305
“Up to 52,000 places offered to migrants means more vacancies will be filled,” Mr Cunliffe said.
“This will help employers who continue to say skill shortages are a constraint to the growth of their businesses, and will contribute to economic growth.”
There will be a minimum of 47,000 and maximum of 52,000 places available for the 2006-07 year. This is the highest number since the 2001-02 year.
“More fundamental changes to the residence programme are being looked at by the government for the 2007-08 financial year,” the minister said.
“One option being considered is setting the residence programme in place for several years at a time.”
Mr Cunliffe also announced a policy change that means more skilled migrants with work experience in areas of “absolute skill shortage” will gain points towards residence in New Zealand.
Effective from 24 July, work experience in countries considered non-comparable labour markets, such as India and China, will be recognised in areas of absolute skill shortages.
Absolute skill shortages are defined as world-wide shortages that show little sign of easing.
“This includes occupations such as IT professionals, plumbers and engineers, and will mean we don’t miss out on these types of highly talented people, no matter where they’re from.”
Applicants will be required to have recognised qualifications in their area of skill, and meet any registration requirements of their occupation. They will also need to meet standard immigration criteria.
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=26305