A Labour government will plan immigration around what New Zealand’s workforce, housing and infrastructure can support, and make sure migrants who commit to this country are backed to get ahead.
"Immigration should be planned around what New Zealand needs, and it should be managed in a way that's fair to everyone here and everyone who comes," Labour Immigration spokesperson Phil Twyford said.
“If you choose to build your life here, work here and raise your family here, a Labour government will back you to get ahead.
“Getting immigration right is fundamental to New Zealand’s future. We need an immigration system that attracts the skills and talent our country needs, protects migrants from exploitation, and gives people the confidence to build a future here,” Phil Twyford said.
Labour will:
Plan immigration around New Zealand’s capacity by setting goals through a Government Policy Statement on immigration that reflects our workforce demographic, housing and infrastructure needs
Encourage migrants to put down roots by extending the period migrants must live here before becoming eligible for permanent residence from two years to four, supported by a programme of New Zealand orientation and civic education delivered by community education providers to strengthen social cohesion.
Protect migrants from exploitation by enabling migrants to move between accredited employers after three months, strengthening the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme, and improving access to support in their communities.
Treat people with decency by protecting humanitarian appeals against deportation, setting up a citizenship pathway for children born in New Zealand, and reviewing parent visa, health, and English-language rules.
“We should be ambitious about the contribution migrants can make to New Zealand, to our communities and to our economy, while making sure our immigration settings work for the country as a whole.
“That means having clear and predictable rules, protecting people from exploitation, and giving those who choose to make New Zealand their home a genuine opportunity to get ahead.
“Migrants bring skills, energy, and enterprise to New Zealand. A Labour government will back people to build their lives and careers here, while ensuring immigration supports the long-term interests of New Zealand,” Phil Twyford said.
