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BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope is disappointed with the Government’s announcment that opening of the borders will not see a return to previous immigration levels. Nash pointed out that in the decade prior to Covid-19, the number of people on temporary work visas doubled to more than 200,000, making up almost 5 per cent of New Zealand s labour force, which was high compared to other OECD countries. He said that, rather than investing in plant and machinery to increase production, or employing and up-skilling Kiwis, businesses had been able to suppress wages by relying on lower skilled migrants.
Immigration reset : Govt to curb reliance on temporary visas, target wealthy investors Mon, 17 May 2021, 6:02PM
Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash said New Zealand had become too reliant on low-skilled overseas workers. (Photo / George Heard)
Immigration reset : Govt to curb reliance on temporary visas, target wealthy investors Mon, 17 May 2021, 6:02PM
Wealthy investors and highly-skilled workers will be the targets of New Zealand s Covid-19 immigration reset to reduce the economy s reliance on low-wage migrant workers.
In a speech setting out the Government s intentions for immigration policy, Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash said that would include making it harder for employers to take on workers from overseas, other than in areas of genuine skills shortages.
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