Tougher criteria proposed for private refugee entry

Higher standards of English and a documented work history are among government-proposed criteria to allow refugees into New Zealand under private sponsorship.

The Green Party says its points to a ‘‘hard line’’ stance, that would not see the most in-need given a safe haven.

In a consultation document released to the Greens, under the Official Information Act, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Mbie) floated basic requirements it expected potential refugees to meet.

That included a minimum level of English language skills and an age limit, which was yet to be determined.

‘‘In addition to English language ability, a level of skill, qualification or work experience will also enhance the ability of refugees to secure employment in New Zealand.

The document was not government policy, rather a proposal to call for submissions from relevant groups that would play a role in sponsoring and supporting refugees outside the normal quota system.

But Green Party immigration spokeswoman Denise Roche said she suspected the criteria that was floated in the document, was more about trying to keep people out.

‘‘Community sponsorship is about really good people in our country, wanting to open their hearts and their arms to the people who need it.

‘‘By setting the harshest criteria for those people, means they’re not the ones that need it the most.’’

Groups including the Anglican Church and Amnesty International had submitted, but because the discussion process was ongoing, were reluctant to comment beyond general observations.

Amnesty campaigns director Meg de Ronde welcomed the discussion.

‘‘For Amnesty International, this particular pathway has been set as a humanitarian category and irrespective of this consultation process, our view of the humanitarian category is that it needs to favour protection and safety needs as the primary purpose for the category,’’ she said.

The private sponsorship pilot was still being developed more than a year after its announcement, however Prime Minister Bill English has confirmed in recent weeks that progress had been made. It was on track to allow the first refugees this financial year.