12 June 2002

“Did you notice that Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel announced new immigration rules yesterday? Not surprising if you didn’t given the other news of the day: the uncalled for early election. The Minister was obviously trying to bury her information amongst the election news, “ New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters said.

“Changes to the passmark for the General Skills category have been touted as a tightening up of the rules. This is no more than smoke and mirrors. Any immigrant who claims to have a job offer has their points increased which will more than make up for the three point change.

“What the Minister should be telling New Zealanders is that this Government is welcoming an additional 15,000 family-sponsored immigrants, 5,000 refugees and 30,000 ‘skilled/business’ migrants on top of the 53,000 plus who have already marched over the Government’s welcome mat in the last year. Having (under both National and Labour) brought in over 500,000 in the last 14 years how is it that we have a bigger skills shortage than ever? The truth is, of course, that the policy is a fraud on New Zealanders.

“The Government should also be telling New Zealanders that the make up of their country is being permanently changed without so much as a by your leave,” Mr. Peters said.

ENDS

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