Immigration changes a ruse, says Peters

By AUDREY YOUNG political reporter

Changes to immigration rules to reduce the number of residency applicants are no more than a smoke-and-mirrors exercise, says New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who is making the immigration "mess" a key election target.

The Government announced changes to the rules in the midst of Tuesday's flurry over the early election - an attempt to bury embarrassing news, says Mr Peters.

The passmark in the general skills category has been raised from 25 to 28 points, effective from next Tuesday. At the same time, three extra points will be awarded to applicants with relevant job offers, from five points to eight.

Passmarks will be reviewed monthly and five days' notice of any change will be given, instead of quarterly with 20 days' notice.

Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel said the month's notice given for the last change in passmark had produced a rush of applications, creating a backlog for the Immigration Service to deal with.

The number of applicants sitting in the system had increased sharply in the past 12 months.

"Without measures to reduce the inflow of applications, the level will continue to rise, creating queues which are frustrating for applicants and inefficient for the New Zealand Immigration Service."

Ms Dalziel anticipated 53,000 approvals for residency this financial year, up from 45,000 last year.

Mr Peters said the changes to the passmark were being touted as a tightening-up of the rules.

"This is no more than smoke and mirrors. Any immigrant who claims to have a job offer has his or her points increased, which will more than make up for the three-point change."

Feature: Immigration