Half Immigrants Not In Skilled Category

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse is unable to explain to unemployed Kiwi workers why the government is allowing so many permanent migrants into New Zealand who are not in the skilled category, says New Zealand First.

“With over 40,000 permanent resident visas now being issued each year the National Government is not doing New Zealand any favours by flooding the country with people, many who may never work here or who will compete with Kiwis for jobs and services,” says New Zealand First Deputy Leader Tracey Martin.

“For nearly half the immigrants there is no requirement to work here and pay taxes, yet they can use our public health and education on the same level as hard-working Kiwi taxpayers.

“New Zealand is way out of kilter with the rest of the world. Most countries use smart and focused immigration so the majority of people coming in are skilled workers to fill the country’s needs and benefit it economically. They are rigorous in restricting the numbers outside the skills category.

“The National Government has consistently justified the very high levels of immigration on the basis of skill shortages. As we pointed out in Parliament today the number of people being given residency and not categorised as skilled workers is almost 50 per cent of the total.

“Why are we so lax? Why are we such mugs? says Ms Martin.

ENDS

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