English to go easy on migration
A proposed immigration crackdown will be watered down after a backlash from provincial bosses, Prime Minister Bill English has confirmed.
English said yesterday the changes would not be scrapped but there would ‘‘probably be some adjustments’’.
The Government announced in April there would be an overhaul of the skills requirements for work visas as immigration heated up as an election year issue.
But the rule changes have been criticised as overly punitive and locking out a large number of skilled or necessary workers, particularly in regions where employers say they are struggling with a labour shortage.
The proposed changes to the skilled migrant visa would set a minimum median annual income of $48,859 for jobs that are currently considered ‘‘skilled’’ and make migrants leave for at least a year after three years of working.
South Island mayors are among those who put pressure on the Government to do a U-turn.
English said the Government would not be scrapping its plans entirely as it was important to get the right balance of skills in the economy.
But there were 10,000 jobs created each month and migrant workers were needed to ‘‘build the houses, drive the trucks, make the whole thing work’’.
‘‘We also want to make sure New Zealanders can get the jobs they should be able to get.’’
English acknowledged there had been a lot of push back and said employers told the Government there was plenty of work, and strong demand for people to do the work.
‘‘[They’re] doing their best to recruit Kiwis where they can but there are still gaps and they need the skills and are a bit concerned some of the rules might be a bit tight.’’
Immigration continues to hit fresh highs – it reached a new record in June, totalling 72,305 in the year up from 71,964 in the year to May 31.
The net figure counts people intending to live, work or study in New Zealand for more than a year – minus those leaving.
Annual net migration has been steadily increasing since late 2012.
That has turned it into an election year hot potato, with Labour, NZ First and National all promising to curb numbers.
But Labour and National have also both promised big house building programmes – and shortages in the construction industry already make it a difficult balancing act.