“It is the wasted skill scandals and placement problems of current immigrants that the Government must address before embarking on well meaning, yet impotent policy reviews,” said ACT immigration spokesman Penny Webster.
Mrs Webster was commenting on Jim Anderton's call for a review of the New Zealand immigration service. Mr Anderton believes a long term, consistent strategy on population growth needs to be developed along with new immigration policies
“Jim Anderton is absolutely right that a review needs to be undertaken, but changing the rules solely to increase foot traffic through Immigration Service doors is madness.
“We currently have highly skilled immigrants coming into New Zealand whose hard earned qualifications are not recognised by local professional bodies. This problem is so prevalent that it is an accepted urban joke that most foreign taxi drivers were probably a lawyer or surgeon in their home country.
“This situation is aggravated by the Immigration Services appalling customer ignorance. Answers to my Parliamentary questions reveal that basic statistics like under which category an immigrant gained residence, what city an immigrant settles in, or even the number of recent immigrants who appear before a New Zealand court, are not collected
“How officials can be expected to devise a meaningful and effective immigration policy when even basic information is not collected seems a mystery to me.
“Immigration has net positive benefits for New Zealand, as it expands business and employment opportunities, strengthens linkages with other economies and increases the tax base.
“Before Jim Anderton initiates xenophobic population debates around the country, he should ensure the Government has the affairs of its own department sorted,” said Penny Webster.

ENDS

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