More skilled migrants to get nod

By KATHERINE HOBY

The number of skilled migrants allowed into New Zealand under the general skills category is to rise by 3500.

Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel announced the figure yesterday, extending it from a maximum of 29,700 to 33,200 a year.

Ms Dalziel said encouraging highly skilled migrants to come to New Zealand had always been a key focus for the Government.

"We have needed to extend the residence approvals solely because of the pressures from applications," she said.

There would be no increase to the thresholds in two other migration streams - humanitarian and family sponsored.

Skilled and business applications now account for 60 per cent of those wanting to live in New Zealand. Family-sponsored applications make up 32 per cent, and humanitarian eight per cent.

The new figure raises the number of residence approvals from 45,000 to 48,500, with a tolerance of plus or minus 10 per cent.

Ms Dalziel said several Government initiatives either under way or in development were aimed at encouraging highly skilled migrants to New Zealand.

The initiatives included the "talent visa", skill shortages initiative, and the proposed regional immigration initiative.

Ms Dalziel said the year to last December saw the first net inflow of people to New Zealand since 1997. A net loss of 11,300 in the year ended December 2000 became a net gain of 9700 permanent and long-term arrivals a year later.

The Government remained committed to ensuring the immigration programme supported the country's economic and social development. "The signs are strong that we are on the right track."

Business New Zealand chief executive Simon Carlaw said the move was "a further positive step in the immigration policy".

"There is no question we have a skill shortage across virtually our entire economy and we have no prospect of being able to fill that from our own reserves," he said.

"Immigration on a wise basis is the answer."

Mr Carlaw said it was critical to get the right skills for the right jobs.

Consultation between employers and those involved in the selection process was crucial.

"There is no point in acting on last week's requirements for someone who will arrive six months hence."

The shortage of skilled workers in New Zealand showed skills were a global commodity.

Some of this country's skilled young people would always be lured overseas.

"We're not going to overcome that," Mr Carlaw said.

"It's something that comes with being a small country."