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BOOST TO MIGRANT INTAKE

By Lawrence Johnston

CONTINUED skills shortages in New Zealand have led the government to raise the number of new migrants it wants to attract to the country.
Last year it set the residence programme at 45,000, with 5,000 additional places available if needed. In December, it increased that target to 51,500 - in response to high demand for places from migrants and continued skills shortage pressure on employers.
For the current year 2006/07, there will be a minimum of 47,000 and maximum of 52,000 places available. Not only does that allow an extra 500 places, but the 52,000 is the highest target since the 2001/02 year.
Announcing the increase, Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said that up to 52,000 places offered to migrants would mean more vacancies being filled.
"This will help employers who continue to say skill shortages are a constraint on the growth of their businesses, and will contribute to economic growth."
More fundamental changes to the residence programme were being looked at by the government for the 2007/08 financial year.
One option being considered was to set the residence programme in place for several years at a time.
Mr Cunliffe also announced a policy change that means more skilled migrants with work experience in areas of 'absolute skill shortage' will gain points towards residence in New Zealand.
Work experience in countries considered non-comparable labour markets, such as India and China, will be recognised in areas of 'absolute skill shortages'.
These shortages are defined as world-wide ones that show little sign of easing.
"This includes the occupations of IT professionals, plumbers and engineers, and will mean we don't miss out on these types of highly talented people, no matter where they're from," he said.
Applicants will be required to have recognised qualifications in their area of skill, and meet any registration requirements of their occupation. They will also need to meet standard immigration criteria.
A comparable labour market is one considered closely matched to New Zealand's labour market.
Matters taken into account include the:
* Employment laws, working conditions and remuneration arrangements of the market concerned.
* Structure of the economy in the market, and
* Experiences of migrants from the same market in New Zealand - how successful they have been finding jobs and settling in the country.
A number of nations' labour markets, such as those of the UK, are considered to be comparable to New Zealand's.
Applicants from these nations are able to claim points for work experience in their application for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category.
The comparable labour market policy remains in place. However, the policy change will mean more applicants from non-comparable countries will have their work experience recognised.