Immigration Act Review

Minister's Foreword

David Cunliffe, Minister of Immigration.

I'm pleased to be launching the public consultation on the Immigration Act review - the most comprehensive review of immigration legislation in 20 years.

I encourage New Zealanders to provide feedback, and contribute to making New Zealand's immigration framework stronger, more flexible and fit for the 21st century.

Immigration helps build New Zealand - contributing to the diversity of our communities, the shape of our workforce and the growth of our economy.

The government's goal for immigration is to facilitate the entry of people with the skills we need, and assist them to settle into a new life in a new country - while maintaining the security of our borders.

We intend to deliver this and have begun work to make sure we have the best possible immigration system. This is based on three pillars: legislative reform; a strategic review of key aspects of New Zealand's immigration policy; and supporting operational and process changes within the Department of Labour.

The Immigration Act is the foundation for the immigration policies and processes that allow the entry of workers, students, visitors and residents into New Zealand, and sets the rules that govern their stay here.

Since the current Act came into force in 1987 there have been major changes in the international environment and New Zealand's priorities. The extent of these changes means it's timely to properly review and update our legislative framework.

Today, New Zealand is facing new challenges. In an environment of low unemployment and skill shortages, it is imperative that we have legislation which is responsive to New Zealand's labour market needs, with the flexibility to allow for future changes.

Globally, immigration is changing. People are becoming more mobile, often not settling in one place for a long time - which is contributing to increasingly diverse communities. It means we also have to be at the top of our game to respond to international competition to attract skilled and talented people.

There is greater awareness, too, that these increased movements of people require us to manage risks and maintain the integrity of our border and systems.

This international backdrop is why New Zealand needs modern legislation which allows us to make simpler, fairer and faster decisions, to guide our immigration systems and processes into the 21st century.

At the same time as improving our security, the new Act will support our drive for higher levels of client service, to facilitate the entry of migrants who have the potential to make a strong contribution to our economy and society.

I must stress that this document presents a range of options for public discussion and is not Government policy. I look forward to your contributions towards this review.