Security / Law Enforcement

Spencer · Testing The Water Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 7

Do any of you know whether private security and/or law enforcement related jobs are considered "skilled" or "unskilled" employment for the purposes of applying under the new Skilled Migrant Category?

Could people in such fields apply for entry under the skilled migrant category?

Thank you

Spencer

JCM · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:20 pm Post subject:

Hi Spencer,

I missed this post hence the late reply. As far as I'm aware, these jobs are not eligible for Skilled Migrant entry.

On the other hand, Auckland has persistent, ongoing problems with Police numbers. This is because

a. Auckland has the highest cost of living.

b. Officers based in Auckland tend to apply for posts elsewhere much more so than officers elsewhere apply to move to Auckland.

c. Auckland is the hardest/toughest to police.

This has led to Auckland recruiting officers from the UK.

_______________________________________

BRITISH BOBBIES GO WHERE KIWIS DON'T WANT TO

Recruitment of police officers in South Auckland and Central Auckland has been so difficult of late that the Police Force turned to the UK to solve its staffing shortages.

Seventy four new constables will join police ranks in Auckland on Monday 30 June 2003, having been recruited as experienced police officers in the United Kingdom.

The Graduation Parade for the British High Commission Wing 212 took place at The Royal New Zealand Police College and was attended by the Minister of Police, George Hawkins and British High Commissioner, Mr Richard Fell.

Wing 212, which consists solely of UK recruits, represents a special venture by New Zealand Police with the assistance of New Zealand Immigration, to fill vacancies in the Auckland region. Wing 212 is graduating from a specially tailored 11-week conversion course. They will start as probationary constables on frontline patrol and traffic duties and their prior learning and experience will be taken into account for promotional opportunities.

• 74 recruits will graduate; 68 males and 6 females.
• The recruits will go to Counties / Manukau (37), Auckland City (34) and North Shore / Waitakere (3).

_______________________________

It could be worthwhile (if you have UK Police experience) enquiring into this with the Auckland police force, to see whether the scheme will be repeated.

Ian Simpson · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 7:22 am Post subject:

Here's an update on the Bobbies story which makes for interesting but unhappy reading - the good news is that they seem to be doing a good job, which might mean more will be wanted? The bad news is that the Bobbies have to pay full fees for their children to be educated as foreign students. Eek

Police imports face foreigner fees
23.01.2004
By HELEN TUNNAH

British police lured to Auckland to fill jobs will have to pay full fees for their children to be educated as foreign students, says New Zealand First.

MP Ron Mark said the scores of police brought in under the scheme should not have to wait two years to qualify for residency under their "talent" visa work permits.

Seventy-six officers came to New Zealand last year under the programme to fill vacancies in Auckland.

Police Association president Greg O'Connor said the residency problem affected only a few officers.

But the partners of some officers were having trouble getting jobs because they were not permanent residents.

Mr O'Connor said the officers were aware before they came that they would not be eligible for residency for two years.

But some issues, such as finding employers willing to hire non-New Zealand residents, and paying high costs for education and healthcare, had been unexpected.

"The feedback is that they're doing a really good job. The troops on the ground say they're really appreciated."

Mr O'Connor said the visa status issue should be resolved by the Government.

But a spokeswoman for Police Minister George Hawkins said it was not an issue for him.

"They were employed by the Police Commissioner."

However, a police spokesman said the officers were being treated according to the law, and any changes to immigration conditions had to be made at the political level.

"It's a matter for the Government."

Mr Mark cited one case where the child of a British police officer had been asked for $16,000 in fees for a polytechnic course.

The talent visa allows a person to apply for residency if he or she has worked in New Zealand for two years and has a job that pays at least $45,000 a year.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?reportID=55514&storyID=3545060

Grey · I Like It Here Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Posts: 74