Dr Hon Lockwood Smith MP
National Party Immigration Spokesman

8 August 2007

New Immigration laws must be robust

National Party Immigration spokesman Lockwood Smith is welcoming moves to ensure New Zealand's immigration law reflects the changing needs of the 21st century.

But he says they must be robust enough to accommodate the growing challenges of a fast-changing world.

"Moves that will strengthen our border security and give immigration officials greater powers to access information are all improvements on the current system.

"But perhaps the most critical part of the bill surrounds the use of classified information.

"The clause that was used to detain Ahmed Zaoui is being repealed, and the bill enables classified information to be used in immigration and refugee decision-making.

"This change means a false refugee claimant can be dealt with more rapidly, saving New Zealand taxpayers the millions of dollars that Mr Zaoui has cost them to date. "National will want the select committee examining the bill to consider this area very carefully."

In addition, Dr Smith says the changes will place a greater onus on employers to ensure people are legally entitled to be employed in New Zealand.

ENDS

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