Changes to better match immigrants to needs of business

Media Release

11 October 2016

Changes to better match skilled immigrants to needs of business – “welcome move,” says Auckland Chamber of Commerce head Michael Barnett.

He was responding to changes to the government residence programme announced today by Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse.

“Raising the points required for residence from 140 to 160 under the skilled migrant category should help attract people of higher skills – exactly what our growth-led business environment needs right now,” said Mr Barnett. However, he cautioned that targeting and selecting of higher skilled migrants would need to be prioritised to people with potential to add value the productive side of the economy.

Mr Barnett especially welcomed the indication that Immigration officials would work more closely with business organisations to match skills of applicants to skills in demand by city and regional economies. “This is something the Chamber of Commerce has been seeking for some time.

The strengthening of the English language requirement was another positive.

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