Government faces court over new immigration rules

The Government could face court action over its tough new rules for immigrants.

Last month Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel announced legislation to tighten immigration rules and install tougher language tests before granting people permanent residency.

Association of Migration and Investment chairman Bill Milnes said today it may take court action to protest the retrospective nature of the legislation.

He said the rules unfairly hurt people who had already filed immigration applications.

Some would have spent thousands of dollars obtaining medical certificates, university records, documents and advice only to have the rules changed on them.

"We've had a very close working relationship with the Minister ... I hope with the action she can see we are not trying to do this to feather our own nests or to make life difficult for her," Mr Milnes told National Radio.

"We are doing it because we believe it's the right thing to do."

Although the association was looking at court action, Mr Milnes said it was still hoped that could be avoided.

A spokesman for Ms Dalziel said she intended to respond to issues raised by the association next week.

- NZPA

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