Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
More knee-jerk immigration policy
More knee-jerk immigration policy
The Government's latest change in rules for foreign students is another knee-jerk reaction, says National MP Pansy Wong.
"The Government has been embarrassed by pictures of students queuing overnight to renew their visas, so after two weeks of pressure their solution is to scrap the same-day visa service.
"Students will now have to hand over their passports and wait for five weeks to renew their visas. It's clear that spin and damage control is more important to this Government than actually improving the system for foreign students.
"It follows the pattern set many times by this Government, particularly the Minister of Immigration. When a problem emerges they blame the people with the problem, then try and cover it up without actually fixing anything.
"It's the same tactic used in health, where the Government has re-defined waiting lists in order to cut their numbers.
"It's no wonder immigration is in such a
shambles when all the Minister cares about is avoiding
embarrassing pictures and headlines," said Ms Wong.
Gordon Campbell: On unemployment, Winston Peters’ low boiling point and music criticism
Labour Party: National Gaslights Women Fighting For Equal Pay
The Treasury: New Treasury Paper On The Productivity Slowdown
NZ Government: Government Recommits To Equal Pay
Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter: Deputy Mayor ‘disgusted’ By Response To Georgina Beyer Sculpture
Te Pāti Māori: Māori Unemployment Rate Increases By More Than Four-Times National Rates
Government: Streamlining Building Consent Changes
