Government to welcome more immigrants

The number of immigrants accepted into the country is being raised to meet the need for more skilled workers, the Government said today.

It will also start to recognise skills from applicants in India and China for the first time.

The total number of places available to immigrants will be at least 47,000 and up to 52,000 in the 2006-07 year.

That is the highest number since 2001-02, Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said.

"More vacancies will be filled. This will help employers who continue to say skill shortages are a constraint to the growth of their businesses, and will contribute to economic growth," he said.

Mr Cunliffe also announced a policy change that will give migrants with work experience in areas of "absolute skill shortage" more points to qualify for residence permits.

Those work areas are defined as worldwide shortages that show little sign of easing, and include IT professionals, plumbers and engineers.

From July 24, work experience in countries previously considered to have non-comparable labour markets, such as India and China, will be recognised in the absolute skill shortage areas.

Applicants will still have to hold recognised qualifications and meet New Zealand registration requirements in their occupations.

- NZPA