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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