Party policies: Immigration

National

Extend the period immigrants cannot claim benefits from two to four years. During this time they must meet good behaviour conditions or face deportation. Cut the number of refugees New Zealand accepts to 750 a year.

Labour

The Government is reviewing the Immigration Act and a bill licensing immigration advisers is before Parliament. It had changed the investor category and the working holidays scheme was widened.

NZ First

Cut immigrant numbers and ensure they match true gaps in labour market. Review family reunification policies in both immigrant and refugee categories. Limit refugees and family - spouses and immediate dependent children only - to the 750 quota. Amend law to ensure those with a serious criminal conviction cannot be considered for refugee status.

Greens

Policy still being developed and won't be ready for the election. Policy must be based on ecological and infrastructure limits while meeting human rights obligations.

United Future

A 10-year population strategy to identify economic, social and policy impacts of immigration so it can properly planned. The plan should look at maintaining, if not increasing, the current net inflow of 10,000 a year.

Progressive

Wants research on a population policy. Immigration policy needs to be implemented within such a framework. Population policy should incorporate factors like regional growth or decline, economic growth, tax bases, skills, age structures, fertility, population predictions and infrastructure needs.

Maori Party

Still under discussion. Potential policies may include reviewing Immigration Act, banning sale of freehold land to overseas investors and establishing a council to examine immigration issues and their impact on tangata whenua.