Government announces immigration changes for skilled workers
19.04.2001
The Government has announced new immigration rules that will allow New Zealand industries to employ skilled workers from overseas.
Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel and Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton announced today that special provisions allowing industry groups to employ overseas workers would be broadened.
Special provisions are already in place to facilitate the entry of skilled IT workers and the ministers said the new provision would work in a similar way.
"The special arrangements for IT workers from overseas will effectively be extended to other occupations where a case has been presented by an occupational or industry group," said Ms Dalziel.
Jim Anderton said the provisions would address the shortage of skilled workers in key industries, such as forestry.
Under the new provisions, industry groups will be able to approach the Minister of Immigration to seek exceptions to immigration policy in cases where industries or sectors were experiencing skill shortages.
"We have agreed that where sectors want to bring in skilled workers and those skills are not available in New Zealand, industries should be given an opportunity to present their case for special exceptions,?said the ministers.
"We would need to be satisfied that there was a genuine shortage of skill and that the sector contributes to New Zealand's economic development. Industry groups will need to provide clear reasons why a special provision would be needed."
The Minister for Economic Development will be involved in developing the exceptions, which will apply to temporary entry or permanent residence policies.
As part of the process, the New Zealand Immigration Service will initially assess any requests under the new policy exceptions and will consult with the Ministry of Economic Development, and other groups as necessary.