July 6, 2016

MEDIA RELEASE

International students need support to integrate into NZ

There needs to be an organised integration plan to induct and follow up on all international students coming to New Zealand, says June Ranson, chair of the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI).

Ms Ranson was commenting on a statement by New Zealand First MP Winston Peters today that many of the 19,000 Indian-born students in NZ would “likely go into hiding rather than return home” because they haven’t succeeded in achieving their goals in NZ.

“We don’t know, for example, how many may have committed suicide because they can’t face the shame of having failed.”

The organisation, which is New Zealand's leading professional association for immigration specialists, says these students are paying high fees as international students for their education and this should include some follow up, induction and a cultural integration programme relevant to the country they have come from.

“Migrants come under fire for living and mixing in their own groups and not integrating well and this is mainly the reason. The education institutes need to take more responsibility for their welfare.”

Ms Ranson says their introduction into NZ has far-reaching effects.

“Many will go on to gain residence and for NZ to become a good multi-cultural society this needs to start when they first enter the country. One could look to Singapore as a good example of a multi-cultural society.”

NZAMI is New Zealand's leading professional association for immigration specialists.

The NZAMI is made up of lawyers and licensed immigration advisers who must uphold professional standards and comply with the Association’s strict Code of Ethics. For more information, please see: www.nzami.co.nz.

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