The Government is taking serious action on the immigration system to make it work better for New Zealand businesses and the regions.

Today’s announcement proposes introducing a new framework for assessing all employer-assisted temporary work visas and replacing the Essential Skills in Demand Lists with Regional Skills Shortage Lists.

“This announcement delivers on a longstanding New Zealand First policy to develop strategies that encourage the regional dispersion of immigration to places other than Auckland and the main centres,” says New Zealand First Spokesperson for Immigration Clayton Mitchell.

“These Regional Skills Shortage Lists will inform migrants of the opportunities available in the regional areas which are desperately seeking extra labour.

“The checks within this process emphasise the importance of encouraging businesses to employ New Zealanders wherever possible and hiring migrants only where there is a genuine skills gap.

“New Zealand First celebrates the end to the previous Government’s open borders approach which did not adequately address our skills shortages and put significant strain on our infrastructure,” says Mr Mitchell.

ENDS

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