Monday April 29th, 2002

The Talent Visa scheme announced today by Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel makes it easier for technically qualified people to migrate to New Zealand and is very welcome, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

"Business has been seeking such a scheme for years," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"It integrates well with Government's stated aims to increase economic growth.

"Accredited employers will be able to recruit world wide for the technically qualified people they need in confidence that the people they offer to employ will be able to migrate here.

"But first they have to accredit to the scheme and there's a question hanging over the $1500 fee for the accreditation plus $400 annual subscription.

"We're going to delve further into the justification for the fees, which could rule out the use of the scheme by many smaller businesses."

Ends

© Scoop Media