90-day job trial for new immgrants and HIV tests, National policy

National would introduce a 90-day trial period for new immigrant workers that would allow their jobs to be terminated without a grievance claim being sparked, under its immigration policy announced today.

National also said it would test all migrants and refugees for HIV and Aids, and would review the immigration points system to allow people with particular skills into the country.

Immigration spokeswoman Marie Hasler said National would establish a process for recognising the skills of those immigrants whose experience and qualifications were not already recognised in New Zealand, in areas where New Zealand needed their skills. This would include relevant industry training.

"Under the current immigration policy there are mismatches between the skills of those who migrate to New Zealand and the jobs they end up doing here. The current system is too rigid. It excludes migrants with skills New Zealand needs," Ms Hasler said.

"Many immigrants don't get the opportunity to prove they can contribute a great deal to the workforce, sometimes because of language barriers."

National would introduce employment law that included an optional 90-trial period that allowed either employee or employer to terminate the employment without a grievance claim being brought.

Ms Hasler said the party would help migrants upgrade their English skills with increased tuition.

It would review and simplify the criteria for long-term business visas "to reduce bureaucracy and compliance costs for prospective investors".

It would work with regions to target overseas and local people and skills required.

Its policy also included a six-month temporary work permit -- prior to an application for permanent residence -- to the sponsored partners of young New Zealanders returning home.

National would also offer work permits to overseas students who graduated after three years study in New Zealand.

It would give preference to bona fide United Nations-approved refugees ahead of illegal immigrants who had not followed proper procedure.

Ms Hasler said National supported New Zealand's commitment to take 750 refugees a year and opposed an increase.

"We will make HIV and Aids tests mandatory for all migrants and refugees," she said.

- NZPA

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