Petra
10-27-2004, 05:58 PM
If you were, here's an FYI for you:
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=21036
Entry to New Zealand for skilled workers will become easier from December with changes to the point system that will benefit those most urgently needed.
Immigration Minister Paul Swain announced changes to the skilled migrant category by which potential migrants can assess their likelihood of entry to New Zealand.
Mr Swain said the "enhancements" would improve the system which had been too rigid at a time labour and skills shortages were increasing.
"It will ensure some people we need here at the moment, but are not able to get over the bar for technical reasons, can get entry," he said.
The Government had aimed to allow 20,000 people into the country under the skilled migrant category in the current financial year ending June 2005.
But just 3055 people had so far been given the green light.
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Mr Swain said there was a high level of interest by potential migrants and he was confident the changes, effective from December 1, would see the target reached.
Changes included increasing the level of points allocated to skilled employment, qualifications and work experience in areas of absolute skill shortage like automotive mechanics, radiologists, electricians and speech therapists.
The definition of skilled employment would be expanded to include, for instance, police, corrections officers and drainlayers.
A broader range of qualifications which met industry needs would be recognised, including those for roofers and electrical service technicians, and points would be given for having close family support in New Zealand.
Mr Swain said New Zealand had to be more effective and efficient as it faced competition from countries like the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.
Already the minimum points required to be considered for selection in New Zealand had been brought down from 195 in February when the skilled migrant category was introduced to 100 in September.
But Mr Swain said the points would not now be lowered any further as it was important to maintain quality.
He emphasised the changes would not be at a cost of jobs for New Zealanders.
While moves were underway to upskill New Zealanders they were not yet able to catch up with the urgent needs.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=21036
Entry to New Zealand for skilled workers will become easier from December with changes to the point system that will benefit those most urgently needed.
Immigration Minister Paul Swain announced changes to the skilled migrant category by which potential migrants can assess their likelihood of entry to New Zealand.
Mr Swain said the "enhancements" would improve the system which had been too rigid at a time labour and skills shortages were increasing.
"It will ensure some people we need here at the moment, but are not able to get over the bar for technical reasons, can get entry," he said.
The Government had aimed to allow 20,000 people into the country under the skilled migrant category in the current financial year ending June 2005.
But just 3055 people had so far been given the green light.
advertisement
Mr Swain said there was a high level of interest by potential migrants and he was confident the changes, effective from December 1, would see the target reached.
Changes included increasing the level of points allocated to skilled employment, qualifications and work experience in areas of absolute skill shortage like automotive mechanics, radiologists, electricians and speech therapists.
The definition of skilled employment would be expanded to include, for instance, police, corrections officers and drainlayers.
A broader range of qualifications which met industry needs would be recognised, including those for roofers and electrical service technicians, and points would be given for having close family support in New Zealand.
Mr Swain said New Zealand had to be more effective and efficient as it faced competition from countries like the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.
Already the minimum points required to be considered for selection in New Zealand had been brought down from 195 in February when the skilled migrant category was introduced to 100 in September.
But Mr Swain said the points would not now be lowered any further as it was important to maintain quality.
He emphasised the changes would not be at a cost of jobs for New Zealanders.
While moves were underway to upskill New Zealanders they were not yet able to catch up with the urgent needs.