‘Debate needed’ on immigration

RECORD high growth in immigration numbers to New Zealand is not sustainable, an expert is warning.

But angry business owners say policy changes aimed at keeping migrant workers out could cripple their businesses.

The number of people arriving in New Zealand on a longterm and permanent basis is continuing to grow. Figures released by Statistics New Zealand revealed net gain from immigration rose to 71,932 in the year to March 31.

‘‘We’ve never had such numbers before . . . I don’t think it’s sustainable; the numbers are just too high,’’ Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley said yesterday.

The number leaving New Zea land to live overseas is slowly rising but the number coming is climbing too, resulting in a net gain of 6100 for the month of March alone.

Mr Spoonley said ‘‘anxiety levels’’ had also gone up as a result and an ‘‘informed debate’’ was needed on the issue.

‘‘I thought last year when the Government made those adjustments — suspension of the parents category and the increase in points — would see numbers drop, but that hasn’t happened,’’ he said.

‘‘Now we have the latest round of policy changes . . . and I don’t think the Government fully understands what its implications are.’’

According to Statistics New Zealand, 129,500 people came here intending to stay for at least 12 months, up 5400 on March a year ago.

The largest number of arrivals, 25,557, came from Australia, followed by about 15,000 from the United Kingdom, 12,358 from China and 9547 from India.

The figures are based on arrivalcard details.

Work visas are still the visa type contributing most to migrant arrivals, up 5100 to 43,700.

The numbers of New Zealand citizens and residence visa arrivals were also up 1300 and 2000 respectively, but student visa arrivals dropped by 3800 to 23,900.

‘‘We have seen a drop in international students, particularly Indian students, but that’s countered by an increase in the number of arrivals from countries like the USA,’’ Mr Spoonley said. Arrivals from the United States were up 5700.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse this month announced changes to the skilled migrant category. They included new salary thresholds, but it was not clear what difference the changes would make.

‘‘The new income threshold is going to make it very difficult for a whole group of people who would not meet the $49,000 income,’’ Mr Spoonley said.

‘‘Those are going to be in tourism, hospitality, healthcare and possibly some skilled profes sions like education.’’

Angry Auckland Thai business owners met yesterday to discuss a response to the proposed changes.

‘‘We are just being made scapegoats of this election year,’’ said Songvut Manoonpong, owner of Mai Thai restaurant.

‘‘Most Thai restaurants are dependent on migrant workers, but we cannot pay $49,000 to every staff and still keep our businesses afloat.’’

Gaye Fasher, owner of Cocoon Thai Spa, said it would be almost impossible for her five therapists to renew their visas under the new rules.

The group will be meeting the Restaurant Association today to discuss its response to the policy.

Labour, the Greens and New Zealand First have also indicated they intend to reduce the levels of net migration.

Population statistics senior manager Peter Dolan said there had been a steady increase in annual net migration since 2012.

However, immigration lawyer David Ryken felt using data from arrival cards was not a good way to assess work visa levels.

‘‘Those immigrants working here include many who arrive on visitor visas, who then apply for student visas and then work visas,’’ he said.

‘‘Take the Chinese and the Indians . . . at the border they were classified as ‘visitors’ or ‘students’; when they switch, they do not fill [out] a new arrival card.’’

❛I don’t think it’s sustainable; the numbers

are just too high❜