Immigration policy change a must: Labour

A Labour government will undertake a major overhaul of New Zealand’s immigration system, says the main opposition party just two months out of the general election.
Reacting to questions why new migrants were not able to secure jobs in New Zealand despite having appropriate qualifications, the party said changes were needed to the country’s immigration system.
At a recent “meet and greet” for new Labour candidate Priyanca Radhakrishnan, MPs Dr Rajen Prasad and Phil Goff reiterated their party’s push towards a change in immigration policies.
“Labour’s policy is to look at the policy which is keeping many of our immigrants out of jobs,” Dr Prasad told the Indian Weekender this week.
Dr Prasad was referring to the issue of scores of migrants, including those from India and Fiji, unable to find jobs despite gaining permanent residency on the basis of their qualifications.
”New Zealand needs to know who they want, and then go out and get them,” Dr Prasad said.
“Labour aims to develop a world class system for doing this. We will talk to New Zealanders in order to be able to do this.”
Dr Prasad said progress on this vital issue needed to be tied into regional development of the country.
“There is a huge need to develop policies and economic policies in the region to be able to support the influx of migrants into the country.
“At the moment we don’t know what we are recruiting for.
“There is no proper analysis of the work needs of New Zealand,” Dr Prasad said.
Mr Goff said the current immigration system didn’t target the job demand. “The settlement services need upgrading, and also the current language systems needs overhauling.
“There seems to be a total disconnect,” Mr Goff said.
On the issue of security for the migrant community, Mr Goff said there was a need to teach our young men how to manage relationships.
“There is a lot of pressure, biologically and socially, growing up and that has to be managed carefully,” Mr Goff said.
Dr Prasad said grassroots community involvement was also a key element in turning young men and women from a life of violent crime and wrongdoing.
Ms Radhakrishnan, currently living in Carterton, will be moving to Auckland shortly to be able to fully participate in her role as a Labour list candidate for the upcoming general election.
A policy analyst in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Ms Radhakrishnan is passionate about issues which affect women in the community.
“So much more needs to be dome for women in this country,” said Ms Radhakrishnan, whbo was born in India, brought up in Singapore, and has been living in New Zealand for the past 10 years.
“One of the major factors is funding, and also there needs to be a plan, as a country. And there needs to be leadership for that plan,” Mr Radhakrishnan said.
She also highlighted the role community leaders could play to support issues and at the same time guide the younger generation into becoming responsible members of the society.
“Everyone has a role to play.”
Dr Prasad, after a stellar career in New Zealand, and as a Labour politician, will not be contesting the September election.