Stiffer residence rules to limit number of applicants

Gaining New Zealand residence will be harder for some from next Tuesday following the Government's announcement that it is raising requirements.

Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel said the change applied to people wanting residence under the general skills category, with the "pass mark" required rising from 25 to 28 points.

The rise was needed because of an increase in people wanting residence in the skilled/business category.

"Without measures to reduce the inflow of applications, the level of on-hand applications will continue to rise, creating queues which are frustrating for applicants and inefficient for the New Zealand Immigration Service," she said in a statement.

The service anticipated 53,000 residence approvals in the coming financial year, up from 45,000 this year.

"Clearly New Zealand is an attractive migrant destination and the decision...tilts the residency approval in favour of the migrant who will settle well, given the fact that it will not affect those with skilled job offers relevant to their qualifications or work experience," Ms Dalziel said.

The pass mark would be reviewed monthly.

- NZPA

Feature: Immigration