Four year probation plan for would be NZ immigrants

If the National Party wins this election would be immigrants would be given four years probation before attaining permanent residency. Full information about the immigration policy will be released on Tuesday. (To gain New Zealand citizenship one must be a granted permanent residency for five years.)

Under the current policy eligible people are immediately granted permanent residency to live in New Zealand.

The National policy may be in response to a number of immigration blunders under the Labout government. One scandal was letting a former minister of Iraqi Dictator Saddam Hussein to live in New Zealand.

It may be understood that under a National or possibly in coalition with right-wing New Zealand First, immigration criteria will become tougher.

Sources:
Nats to launch immigration policy. 08/08/2005. TVNZ
National's probation plan for immigrants. 08/08/2005. NZ Herald
Nats pledge probation for immigrants. 08/08/2005. Stuff.co.nz

Links:
New Zealand First Party's Immigration Policy 2005