Nats refugee bashing, say Greens

Keith Locke said refugees were among the most vulnerable people in the world. File picture / Glenn Jeffrey

The National Party's new immigration policy amounts to refugee bashing, Green Party MP Keith Locke says.

"It's sad to see a major party beating up on some of the most vulnerable people in the world, people who have suffered so much in their home countries," Mr Locke said.

Yesterday National Leader Don Brash announced his immigration policy which included limiting the number of refugees to the current quota of 750 a year but scrapping the additional refugee family quota of 300. Only immediate family members of refugees would be included in the 750 quota.

"A compassionate party would not stoop to such refugee bashing. There are 20 million refugees in the world, yet Mr Brash wants to cut back on the already small numbers we take in," Mr Locke said.

The Green Party would extend the quota to 1000 per year.

Refugee groups have also criticised the policy which also includes a four year stand down period for benefits.

"Mr Brash also complains about refugees going on the benefit. What does he expect?" Mr Locke asked.

"Of course many refugees, from poverty-stricken countries with poor schooling, find it difficult to get jobs. But that only reinforces the duty we have to assist them with education and job training."

Mr Locke said most refugees were "desperate" to work.

Refugee groups say it was already a lottery trying to get family members here -- but such support was crucial to settling in.

Refugee and Migrant Service (RMS) director Peter Cotton said refugees were part of a humanitarian quota not an immigration quota and should be treated differently.

"I think it's (the policy is) nonsensical because that meagre 300 places is targeted specifically towards reuniting the family with people who are isolated and not doing well in New Zealand who have come as part of the 750 quota," Mr Cotton told National Radio.

"The downstream costs of being permanently isolated and worried about their family are going to outweigh any savings that may be made by cutting this very small number of places."

However Dr Brash defended his policy and he denied using refugees for political gain.

"There are some people coming in going straight onto a benefit for a lengthy period of time and I say that's not fair to hard-working New Zealand taxpayers," he said.

"In the case of refugees we know that after one year 90 per cent are still on a benefit, and after five years 80 per cent are still on a benefit."

Dr Brash said a smaller number would get better support and integrate faster.

Dr Brash said taking refugees was a "selfless and generous" act that he supports.

- NZPA