Immigration target to remain

Paul Swain said most immigrants were skilled workers. File picture

The Government will keep its immigration target at 45,000 for the present year, Immigration Minister Paul Swain said today.

The announcement came after it met that target for the 2004-05 year.

The target allows for an extra 5000 if necessary.

Mr Swain said 48,815 people were granted residency in 2004-05, with 29,826 coming in under the skilled/business category.

"While the Government is investing heavily to give New Zealanders skills training, low unemployment and skill shortages mean that immigration is one of the ways employers find the skilled people they need," he said.

"We are attracting quality migrants including teachers, nurses, tradespeople and IT professionals."

He said 87 per cent had a skilled job or job offer at the time they were granted residence.

About 60 per cent of the jobs were in areas other than Auckland.

- NZPA