20 Apr 2017

Government announces new immigration rules

From Morning Report, 7:23 am on 20 April 2017

Employers who hire immigrants for jobs they struggle to fill with New Zealand workers say the government's changes to the immigration rules are going to make life more difficult for them

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Under the changes, there will be a salary threshold for high-skilled migrants and anyone earning under that amount, will be kicked out after three years.

Other proposals include immigrants' partners and children no longer automatically getting work and student visas, but coming into the country as visitors.

The Minister for Immigration, Michael Woodhouse, told Morning Report he expects a reduction in net migration numbers - but he accepts his officials "don't have a crystal ball."