The Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel needs to do more than allow spouses of business people easier entry into New Zealand if she wants to encourage growth, National's Immigration spokesperson Marie Hasler said today.

"While I welcome the change that allows the spouse or partner of long term business visa holders to be issued with a multiple entry open work permit, it does not address the real impediment to encouraging entrepreneurs and wealth creators in this country.

"The Minister should be more concerned that many of the most suitable and deserving applicants for a business visa find the process overly bureaucratic and time-consuming.

"New Zealand is losing good entrepreneurial people to the United States and other markets where they can gain visa access in just a few weeks.

"The application process should be managed by experienced 'business savvy' people who understand the small and medium business market," Ms Hasler said.

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