Migrant scheme wins backing

By KEVIN TAYLOR

The Government's scheme to help businesses recruit talent from overseas has won general approval from business groups.

Business New Zealand, however, reserved judgment until the policy could be seen in action.

Announced last December as the "Talent Visa", Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel yesterday outlined more details of the "Work-to-Residence Programme".

She said the scheme would simplify existing immigration rules for skilled migrants applying to work and live in New Zealand.



Dalziel said the need for immigration policy to attract talented people was widely discussed at the Government-business forums, and at major conferences.

Alasdair Thompson, chief executive of the Employers and Manufacturers Association northern branch, said it was exactly what the association had been looking for.



Business New Zealand chief executive Simon Carlaw said that although it was a good idea, he wanted to see how the scheme worked in practice before judging.

Dalziel said the Government recognised the importance to employers of retaining skilled migrants, and the need for an efficient process allowing easy transition to residence.

Under the scheme migrants recruited by an accredited employer who work here for two years, secure an offer of ongoing work, and meet health and character requirements, can become New Zealand residents.

The scheme has two options, the "Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Policy" and the "Priority Occupations Work Policy".

The former is the Talent Visa option, which is aimed at employers who regularly recruit staff overseas.

Migrants with job offers from an accredited employer would get a more streamlined approvals process for work permits and visas.

The cost of accreditation is $1500 in the first year and $400 annually thereafter.

Employers would need to apply for accreditation every 12 months and were expected to meet criteria relating to their workplace practices and commercial viability.

The second option allowed employers to offer work to those in occupations the Government had identified as suffering from critical skills shortage.

Both options required a minimum salary of $45,000, with an ongoing employment offer.

Dalziel said she would write to employers outlining the scheme's benefits.

Feature: Immigration