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Proposed changes to immigration laws - some of which have been criticised as a risk to human rights - will help the tourism sector to meet skill shortages, an industry representative says.
Immigration Minister David Cunliffe this week announced plans to reform the Immigration Act including replacing the visa, permit and exemption process with a simpler, integrated system.
Cunliffe has said proposed changes had been modified to take account of human rights concerns, although plans to extend the use of classified information have attracted concern from lawyers and the Green MP Keith Locke.
Tourism Industry Association chief executive Fiona Luhrs said the review appeared to offer greater flexibility for tourism operators to overcome skill shortages and could also improve the experience of international visitors.
"We emphasised that while it was essential for New Zealand to manage security risks and protect its borders, it was also important to have a system where international visitors felt welcome," she said.
"We also wanted any changes to immigration laws to acknowledge labour market needs, with a system that would deliver greater flexibility to meet changing demands for skills and labour."
The Tourism Industry Association had made a submission to the review and was pleased its recommendation for a simplified visa system had been heard.
Those now exempt from holding permits would be granted visas, including Australians - who spent $1.6 billion in the year ending in June, making them the single biggest international market.
According to Ministry of Tourism research, international visitors spent $7 billion in the year ending June.
The head of Immigration New Zealand, Mary Anne Thompson, said the changes would enable more effective use of technology because people would be able to apply online.
"It allows us to really make decisions much more swiftly and that's a really good place to be if you want to compete for skills."
Other proposed changes included the power to collect biometric information from non-citizens and on a limited basis from New Zealanders at the border.
IMMIGRATION ACT REVIEW
* Simplified and integrated visa system.
* Collection of biometric data including fingerprints.
* Bill to be introduced in April 2007.
* Legislation expected in April 2008.
