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Discover the latest updates on immigration policy projects, including changes to the visa system and strategic labor market initiatives. Learn about upcoming proposals for a more inclusive and efficient immigration system in New Zealand.
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Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Immigration Policy Work Programme (2017) Siân Roguski – Manager Immigration Policy
Overview • Work since the last conference • Strategic labour market and immigration work • Current policy projects, and changes to the immigration system • Upcoming or proposed policy projects
Since the last conference • Refugee quota increased • Visa waiver changes • NZRP for 2016/17 to 2017/18 set • Skilled Migrant Category review • South Island Contribution visa • Consultation on changes to the Essential Skills work visa • Changes to improve the functioning of various categories including: • Updating the definition of a ‘fit and proper’ person for business visa applications • Removing the 7-year limit for domestic violence or sexual offences committed by New Zealanders supporting partnership-based visa applications • A pathway to residence for long-term partners of New Zealanders when a relationship has broken down and the family includes children • Preventing circumvention of immigration health requirements
Strategic labour market work • Taking a big picture look at the New Zealand labour market and the future of work • Sector Workforce Engagement Programme • Working with occupations and sectors to understand their reliance on migrant labour compared to New Zealanders • Co-developing responses to create a domestic pipeline of labour
Strategic immigration work • Looking at the connections between migration and the New Zealand labour market • Work has been completed on the first phase of: • Improving the attraction, selection and integration of investors and entrepreneurs • Facilitating people who will contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth while managing risk • Work is still underway on improving the contribution of migration to the labour market through reviewing key labour migration policies
Current policy projects • Improving the operation of various immigration policies • Reviewing the parent category • Reviewing the partnership and dependent child categories • Implementing a pilot programme for community sponsorship of refugees • Consulting on the changes toEssential Skills work visas agreedin principle by Cabinet
Upcoming or proposed policy projects • Fee and levy review • Phase two of the changes to temporary work visa settings • Review of character settings • Review of some student settings – scope to be determined • Combatting exploitation and people trafficking