Minister of Immigration
Hon Tuariki Delamere

• POLICIES FOR PROGRESS INDEX
• PM WELCOMES PROGRESS ON IMMIGRATION
• POINTS FOR WORK EXPERIENCE MORE REALISTIC
• ENTREPRENEURS ENCOURAGED
• MAKING NEW ZEALAND A MORE ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION
• LANGUAGE TRAINING
• MORE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE ACCEPTED
• STUDENT POLICY
• TOURISM AND TRADE
• BUSINESS INVESTORS

The Minister of Immigration, Hon Tuariki Delamere, said that students who had gained their qualifications here already had links to New Zealand and were more likely to settle well as residents.

"We're looking for skilled people who can contribute to New Zealand. People who have gained their tertiary education here and already have the advantage of knowing us and of adapting to the New Zealand lifestyle. We want to give them the opportunity to contribute to our country in the long term by offering them an incentive to choose New Zealand as a migrant destination," Mr Delamere said.

International students who graduate with qualifications recognised under the points system will be the only people exempted from this requirement. They will also get an additional point when applying under the General Skills category for residence. The changes will apply from 30 November 1998.

The work experience exemption and the additional point will not apply to international students who completed their qualification with New Zealand Government-sponsorship scholarship assistance.

The Minister of Education, Hon Wyatt Creech, said that linking New Zealand tertiary training to possible residence will be a real incentive for international students scanning the world market for places to study.

"The New Zealand education export industry is growing and this policy change will help to boost the number of young people choosing New Zealand as a tertiary study destination, bringing valuable foreign exchange to the economy and adding to the internationalisation of our education system," Mr Creech said.

Mr Delamere said that he hoped the additional point for graduates with New Zealand qualifications would also attract skilled migrants who returned home after their study to apply for residence in New Zealand.

Applicants need 25 points in total to qualify for residence under the General Skills category.

"The New Zealand Immigration Service and Trade New Zealand will actively promote this policy change offshore to past and future international students," he said.