Media release 1 July 2003

New immigration policy tackles skill shortages

The 'skilled migrant' approach announced today should be a major improvement, says Business NZ.

Chief Executive Simon Carlaw says no-one benefits from a taxi rank of over-qualified drivers, least of all those businesses throughout the economy in desperate need of particular skills.

"The proposed focus on settlement outcomes should go a long way towards getting the right people in the right place at the right time.

"Clearly there has been a mismatch for too long between what businesses have been searching for, and what the immigration process has been providing.

"With the successful talent visa scheme and the continuing review of the business immigration category, there is a much better prospect that New Zealand's immigration policy will underpin the Government's growth objectives.

"As soon as these changes are bedded in, the next step should be a constructive national debate on the case for bold immigration targets to increase our population size as well as sustainable economic growth rates," Mr Carlaw said.

ENDS

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