Friend,

NZ First Invokes ‘Agree to Disagree’ on Skilled Migrant Visa Changes

The Government has announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Visa providing additional pathways to New Zealand residency for migrant visa holders. One for ‘Skilled Work Experience’ and the other for ‘Trades and Technician’ pathways.

New Zealand First is concerned that those who gain residency will become citizens, then using their New Zealand passports, leave for fast-tracked visas in Australia. Almost half of our citizens already applying for Australian citizenship last year were not born here.

New Zealand is being used as a stepping stone into Australia. We take them in, train them, up-skill them, look after their families, and then they emigrate.

How is this an effective immigration policy? 

We need a system that consistently provides young Kiwis with the skills we need domestically, working alongside the education system to fill the skills we need in our industries.

This is not a new issue — while we recognise the importance of retaining some critical workers, we have serious concerns about this unfocused immigration proposal.

Friend, that is why we would support extending existing work visas for those workers already here for another three years to address the short-term demand – not making them residents.

We cannot maintain this decades-old papering over the cracks for short term needs.

In the long term, we need a smart immigration system that focuses on the needs of employers in New Zealand, industry, and Kiwi workers - not policies that will lead to more immigration with no plan for our next generation.

Friend earlier this month Rt Hon Winston Peters made a speech in Palmerston North - ‘One Clarion Call’. We asked New Zealanders who believe in one country, one people, one law for all, and that all are equal before it, to become part of a rightful cause.

To be part of our mission to put New Zealand First.

Today we are putting New Zealanders first when it comes to our immigration system and future education opportunities.

Friend, we need your support so that many more Kiwis can hear our message. Will you help us?

Donate using the button below, join us as a member of New Zealand First, or share our message on social media.