Niue to rewrite its immigration laws

Wednesday, 10 May 2006, 8:16 pm
Press Release: Radio New Zealand International

Niue to rewrite its immigration laws to allow foreign workers in

The Niue Government is planning to ease restrictions on immigration next month to ensure it has the labour for industries it is trying to establish.

Niue already has a fish processing plant but is also trying to expand tourism and develop its noni juice and vanilla industries.

The latest plan is to invite in Malaysian loggers who the government is hoping will be able to export timber and re-start a furniture factory.

Niue’s premier, Young Vivian, says these businesses cannot operate if they have to rely solely on the current population for labour.

“Every industry that we will have will have to import people, and we are tabling the immigration bill in six weeks time and we should be able to sort the rules, the regulations in that bill.”

Mr Vivian says the legislation will look at how long people can stay and work, and how many will be allowed onto the island.

There are reports that 120 Malaysian loggers are expected on Niue within weeks.

© Scoop Media

RNZ

New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.

Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.

Contact RNZ

• Website - www.radionz.co.nz
• Twitter - @rnz_news
• Facebook
• Link - Contact RNZ