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Immigration Minister's latest announcement a farce

Pansy Wong MP
National Party Ethnic Affairs Spokeswoman

1 February 2007

Immigration Minister's latest announcement a farce

The Auckland migrant settlement strategy, which was launched on Wednesday, is light on substance and nothing more than a photo opportunity for a Minister who is light on detail, says National's Ethnic Affairs spokeswoman, Pansy Wong.

"What happened to the 'Kiwi Ora' migrant familiarisation course, which was much trumpeted by Labour's caucus only to disappear because of a lack of funding?

"Last year, at the NZ Association of Migrant and Investment conference, Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said he would announce changes before Christmas to Labour's failed Investor Category policy, which has attracted only a handful of migrants and $6 million since 2005, but he failed to deliver.

"The old policy for investors attracted 1,300 people between 2001 and 2003, bringing in $1.3 billion to our economy.

"The Government has also dealt another blow to migrants by introducing an unrealistic time limit of six months for the Work to Residence visa.

"Meanwhile, the much-needed legislation that will regulate immigration advisers is languishing in Parliament.

"I have no doubt that the current review of the Immigration Act will give the Minister even more chances to make the hollow announcements he's so fond of."

ENDS

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