Immigration review underway

The Government today announced the terms of reference of a wide ranging review of the Immigration Act.

Immigration Minister Paul Swain said the 18-year-old law needed to be made more relevant to New Zealand's needs and the international environment.

A decision to hold a review was made in March last year.

"More people are travelling than ever before, tourism is increasingly important for New Zealand and there is growing demand for skills and labour," Mr Swain said.

"But just as important given increasing security concerns following September 11 is New Zealand's right to keep out the people we don't want and remove those who shouldn't be here."

Mr Swain said immigration process needed to be fast and fair but also protect New Zealand's interests.

In the past changes were made in a piecemeal manner and Mr Swain said a comprehensive approach was needed.

He emphasised New Zealand's commitment to international obligations was not in question and the section of the Act covering security risk issues would be reviewed separately.

That section covers areas such as security risk certificates which Algerian refugee Ahmed Zaoui is being held on.

The Department of Labour will conduct the review and will divide its work into the following areas:

* Purpose and principles of immigration legislation,

* Entry to New Zealand and migrant obligations,

* Grant of protection in New Zealand -- such as refugees,

* Enforcement,

* Expulsion,

* Review and appeal

* Inter-related issues -- such as levels of decision making.

Mr Swain said changes from the review were likely to go before Parliament within two years and were part of a wider push to attract skilled migrants, improve border security and regulate immigration agents.

"Taken together all these measures show that the government is serious about making sure our immigration system works in New Zealand's interests."

- NZPA