New Zealand / Refugees And Migrants

Immigration policy needs to return to first principles - minister

17:33 pm on 17 August 2018

The Immigration Minister says he will review temporary work visas and Pacific immigration to make them fit for purpose.

Speaking at a conference of the Association of Migration and Investment today, Iain Lees-Galloway said immigration policy needed to go back to first principles about which skills gaps needed filling.

The immigration system has had policies bolted onto it over the years and a broader review was better than tinkering, he said.

The previous government's decision to make temporary migrants leave the country for a year after a maximum of three years will be looked at.

The review will also look at Pacific immigration and the recognised seasonal employer scheme.

Mr Lees-Galloway said he wanted to create a more streamlined system.