Entry to NZ to become easier for workers

[LiviaOlivia]

Entry to NZ to become easier for workers
October 27, 2004 - 5:09PM
Sydney Morning Herald

Entry to New Zealand for skilled workers will become easier from December with changes to the point system that will benefit those most urgently needed. Immigration Minister Paul Swain announced changes to the skilled migrant category by which potential migrants can assess their likelihood of entry to New Zealand.

Mr Swain said the "enhancements" would improve the system which had been too rigid at a time labour and skills shortages were increasing. It will ensure some people we need here at the moment, but are not able to get over the bar for technical reasons, can get entry," he said.

The Government had aimed to allow 20,000 people into the country under the skilled migrant category in the current financial year ending June 2005. But just 3055 people had so far been given the green light.

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Changes included increasing the level of points allocated to skilled employment, qualifications and work experience in areas of absolute skill shortage like automotive mechanics, radiologists, electricians and speech therapists. The definition of skilled employment would be expanded to include, for instance, police, corrections officers and drainlayers.

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http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/27/1098667825653.html?oneclick=true

[leftchick]

1. This is excellent!

I will now consider NZ if the USA doesn't work out this election.