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Asia-Pacific News

New Zealand ups immigration intake, prefers Indians



Wellington, June 30 (IANS) New Zealand has included India and China in its list of preferred countries for migrant workers in areas of 'absolute skill shortage'.

Announcing this here Friday, New Zealand Communications Minister David Cunliffe said the country's immigration intake level would be increased to 52,000 for the next one-year period, the highest since 2001-02. In 2005-2006, it was 50,000, but was raised to 51,500 in December last year following complaints from employers about skill shortage.

The areas of 'absolute skill shortage' are those that show a worldwide shortage of skilled workers with no signs of easing in the near future. These include information technology, plumbing and engineering.

According to a report in the Radio New Zealand website, Cunliffe said skilled and business immigrants were being allocated 60 percent of the new target, with family reunion and sponsored migrants accounting for 30 percent.

'More vacancies will be filled. This will help employers who continue to say skill shortages are a constraint to the growth of their businesses, and will contribute to economic growth,' another report quoted Cunliffe as saying.

The workers in areas of absolute skill shortage would also get more points to qualify for residence permits, he said.

However, applicants will still have to hold recognised qualifications and meet New Zealand registration requirements in their respective occupations.



© 2006 Indo-Asian News Service

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