Pansy Wong MP
National Party Associate Immigration Spokeswoman

30 March 2006

What’s going on at Immigration NZ?

Immigration New Zealand is making it harder rather than easier for much-needed skilled people to come here, says National Party Associate Immigration spokeswoman Pansy Wong.

“Immigration NZ has been caught out saying one thing but doing another with disastrous results for skilled migrants.

‘On 21 December 2005, the immigration website said selections made for the Skilled Migrant category wouldn’t be subjected to the new selection mechanism introduced that day but due to come into effect on 1 February 2006.

“However, 112 people who were selected in that draw were later told they had to reapply under the new mechanism.

“Officials effectively told one couple that the new mechanism had been introduced retrospectively, which was contrary to the information on the website.

“Last year the Minister, David Cunliffe, described his department as a ‘production line where an observer would see examples of delays, bottlenecks, re-work and frustration – for both applicants and NZIS staff alike’, and he promised to work hard to fix those problems.

“The Minister needs to sort out what’s going on. It’s outrageous that his department says one thing then does another – and doesn’t recognise it.

“I have no doubt that this type of behaviour will further tarnish New Zealand’s reputation as an attractive destination for much-needed skilled migrants,” says Mrs Wong.

ENDS

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