A focus on skilled immigrants and giving greater recognition to those with proven work experience. Immigrants will have to satisfy a good conduct requirement for four years before they can qualify for permanent residence. Those who break the criminal law will be sent home immediately. Immigrants will not be able to qualify for welfare benefits for four years. People sponsoring family to come to New Zealand will have to prove they can support them for the four-year benefit stand-down period. The refugee quotas will be cut to the United Nations approved quota of 750, and savings will be reallocated to help refugees improve their English. Investor Category immigrants will have to invest their money for a minimum of four years. Business immigrants will have to create at least two permanent full-time jobs for non-family members. The Immigration Service and the Citizenship Office will be merged.
Source: Brash announces immigration policy 09/08/2005. National Party.
On a personal note, the proposal of National seems sensible but like what a friend had said it could confuse wannabe immigrants and go to other countries instead.
Links:
Nats tout immigrant benefit stand-down. 09/08/2005. Stuff.co.nz
National sets out 'disciplined' immigration plan. 09/08/2005. NZ Herald.
NZ Population close to static. 09/08/2005. NZ Herald.
