Immigration Changes Meaningless Says Peters

New Zealand First has described as “astonishing”, Government changes just announced to the rules governing General Skills and Business categories for migrants.

Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters said that after months of denial, the Minister had finally realised that migrants settle far more successfully in New Zealand if they can communicate well in English.

“This is a breakthrough for Lianne Dalziel but she has failed to address the issue of widespread fraud and forgery in English language tests.

“What is the use of stricter English language tests when there is an industry of qualified people sitting the tests for those who are unqualified.

“The Minister has already admitted this cannot be policed (see Dominion Post 16/11/02) so all she is doing is creating a bigger industry for the fraudsters and their clients.”

Mr Peters said the Business category change was meaningless.

“What is the use of a new Business category when the New Zealand Immigration Service has not checked up on one person under the old requirement. All they did was write a letter and never followed it through.

“The announcement today is just another feeble response to the growing disquiet in this country about the Government’s ad hoc and disastrous immigration policies,” said Mr Peters.

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