Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Changes to international student policy

19 April 2005

Changes to international student policy

Enhancements to immigration policy will make it easier for international students to work and study in New Zealand, Immigration Minister Paul Swain said today.

Mr Swain said the changes, which come into force from 4 July, will give more opportunities for international students to gain work permits after they have completed their studies.

"The changes better align student immigration policy with government’s international education strategy as well as making sure New Zealand remains competitive in the global market for students, many of who make excellent candidates under the Skilled Migrant Category,” Mr Swain said.

The changes are:

International students who have graduated from a course that would gain points under Skilled Migrant Category will be eligible for a six month open work permit The pool of students eligible to work part time while studying will be expanded to include Year 12 & 13 school students and some English language students, provided certain conditions, including English language standards, are met Eligible students will be able to apply to work for up to 20 hours a week during term, instead of the current 15 hours Anyone undertaking a course of 12 months or more will be able to apply to work full-time over the summer holidays Partners of students studying in areas of absolute skill shortage and partners of all postgraduate students will be able to apply for an open work permit valid for the duration of the student’s course of study.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Mr Swain said he was determined the increased work opportunities for international students did not affect New Zealanders wanting work.

“This government’s priority is making sure New Zealanders have jobs and that international students are not displacing local workers. Student Job Search and the Ministry of Social Development have both confirmed that currently there is no evidence of displacement, but we want to be sure that this remains the case,” Mr Swain said.

“The Department of Labour will be continuously monitoring labour market indicators including the unemployment rate. If the indicators suggest that there is a risk of displacement, or there is evidence of abuse, these policies will be reviewed.”

Education providers will be required to monitor international students' performance and attendance records to prevent any potential abuse of the system.

The changes are the result of a review of immigration student policy carried out over the last year by the Department of Labour. The department worked closely with other government agencies and Education New Zealand (ENZ), New Zealand’s international education industry’s body.

ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.