Asians strongly oppose proposed citizenship laws

By ANGELA GREGORY


Seen but seldom heard, thousands of Asians have voiced their opposition to proposed new citizenship laws which they say will drive their businesses overseas and harm the economy.

They made their views known strongly at a select committee hearing in Auckland yesterday where submissions were made by Asians representing mass opposition to the Identity (Citizen and Travel Documents) Bill.

Lawyer Lyn Lim, a partner in the law firm Kensington Swan, said New Zealand was sending the wrong message to business migrants.

Ms Lim presented a 5000-strong submission, mainly signed by Chinese, arguing the retrospective nature of the legislation was unacceptable.

"The signatures were gathered in just two weeks - that's the level of anxiety."

Ms Lim said most concern was focused on the retrospective provisions of the bill. Since it was introduced the Government had removed its retrospective aspects for people who were entitled to be in New Zealand indefinitely, provided they apply for citizenship from next year to 2009.

But Ms Lim said the Government should extend its exemption.

She said the migrants approved for entry to New Zealand had come with the expectation that the rules that affected them would not be adversely changed after they arrived.

No explanation was provided for the proposed new rules, which had caused stress and uncertainty.

Ms Lim, a Malaysian-born New Zealand citizen, said New Zealand needed to attract quality migrants and the proposed changes would harm its chances in favour of countries such as Australia.

"We are competing from the same pool of migrants ... We are not doing enough to attract them."

Another submitter, Robson Liang, said he represented more than 2828 people who were annoyed that their time spent in New Zealand on a work, long-term business or student visa would not count towards the five-year requirement to become a citizen.

He estimated for an overseas student who studied then worked in New Zealand it could take up to 12 years to gain citizenship.

Their views concurred with three earlier submitters who stressed that New Zealand, in its rush to keep out undesirable migrants, risked losing quality immigrants.

American-born Auckland barrister Jim Boyack said he had no doubt that under the proposed five-year rule potential immigrants would instead choose Australia, where citizenship could be granted after two years permanent residency.

The legislation was being rushed through and overrode human rights.

Dr David Tanzer, a former American judge now living in Auckland, said thousands of families like his had made New Zealand their home and invested their time and money based on the trust and integrity of the Government.

That had been undermined by the proposed law changes which would "forever tarnish" the country's reputation.

Immigration lawyer David Ryken said that this week millionaire Asian film investors had decided against seeking entry to New Zealand after he told them of the proposed changes.

Speaking for the New Zealand Refugee Council, Mr Ryken said the delay in gaining citizenship would adversely affect the refugee community who often felt, or were, stateless.


Proposed changes

The Identity (Citizen and Travel Documents) Bill proposes changes to New Zealand citizenship.They include:

Period of residence required to qualify for citizenship increases from three to five years.

Passports valid for five instead of 10 years.

Internal Affairs Minister can cancel passports or travel documents where national security is threatened.

No preferential treatment for spouses of New Zealand citizens seeking citizenship.

Automatic citizenship for babies cancelled.