Indian Migration to New Zealand
The Indian market is an extremely important one to New Zealand and it’s striking to see the increase in the number of Indians choosing New Zealand as their favoured destination. The Indian community in New Zealand is one of the five largest ethnic communities here, contributing to the increasing ethnic diversity throughout the country.
In the 2012-13 financial year more than 20-thousand work visas were issued to people from India – that’s more than any other country. More than five thousand Indians became New Zealand residents, nearly 10-thousand Indians were issued student visas and more than 35-thousand Indians visited New Zealand.
I am very focused on ensuring that visa applications are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible while ensuring that any risks are managed. Processing times have improved greatly and customer satisfaction with the service in India is the highest in the South Asia region. I’m expecting that situation will improve even more when applicants can apply for visas online from later this year.
I’m acutely aware that migrant exploitation is an issue of deep concern to members of the Indian community. The fundamental and overriding principle is that migrant workers have the same employment rights as all other workers in New Zealand. We’ve already changed our approach so that if migrants work with Immigration New Zealand and the Labour Inspectorate to investigate serious cases of exploitation, they may be eligible to remain in New Zealand while their complaint is looked at and resolved. The Government also plans to crack down on employers who exploit migrant workers working here lawfully on temporary visas. Exploitation of migrants is an abhorrent practice and I am determined to stamp it out. I would urge you to use all your networks to reinforce this message and encourage people to come forward and report any incidents.
You will be aware that some Indian nationals applying for visas have been targeted by scammers claiming to be from INZ. The scammers have been telling people that incorrect information was provided on their visa or arrival cards, and that they must pay a fine into a Western Union account or face serious consequences, such as deportation. I take this issue very seriously indeed and want to reiterate that these callers are not from INZ, clients should not pay any money and should contact New Zealand Police immediately.
I have had some very useful discussions with members of the Indian community and in particular the New Zealand Indian Central Association. I’m very keen on exploring opportunities to discuss how we can work together on issues of mutual concern and make the most of the special relationship between India and New Zealand.
The Indian market is an extremely important one to New Zealand and it’s striking to see the increase in the number of Indians choosing New Zealand as their favoured destination. The Indian community in New Zealand is one of the five largest ethnic communities here, contributing to the increasing...
The Indian market is an extremely important one to New Zealand and it’s striking to see the increase in the number of Indians choosing New Zealand as their favoured destination. The Indian community in New Zealand is one of the five largest ethnic communities here, contributing to the increasing ethnic diversity throughout the country.
In the 2012-13 financial year more than 20-thousand work visas were issued to people from India – that’s more than any other country. More than five thousand Indians became New Zealand residents, nearly 10-thousand Indians were issued student visas and more than 35-thousand Indians visited New Zealand.
I am very focused on ensuring that visa applications are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible while ensuring that any risks are managed. Processing times have improved greatly and customer satisfaction with the service in India is the highest in the South Asia region. I’m expecting that situation will improve even more when applicants can apply for visas online from later this year.
I’m acutely aware that migrant exploitation is an issue of deep concern to members of the Indian community. The fundamental and overriding principle is that migrant workers have the same employment rights as all other workers in New Zealand. We’ve already changed our approach so that if migrants work with Immigration New Zealand and the Labour Inspectorate to investigate serious cases of exploitation, they may be eligible to remain in New Zealand while their complaint is looked at and resolved. The Government also plans to crack down on employers who exploit migrant workers working here lawfully on temporary visas. Exploitation of migrants is an abhorrent practice and I am determined to stamp it out. I would urge you to use all your networks to reinforce this message and encourage people to come forward and report any incidents.
You will be aware that some Indian nationals applying for visas have been targeted by scammers claiming to be from INZ. The scammers have been telling people that incorrect information was provided on their visa or arrival cards, and that they must pay a fine into a Western Union account or face serious consequences, such as deportation. I take this issue very seriously indeed and want to reiterate that these callers are not from INZ, clients should not pay any money and should contact New Zealand Police immediately.
I have had some very useful discussions with members of the Indian community and in particular the New Zealand Indian Central Association. I’m very keen on exploring opportunities to discuss how we can work together on issues of mutual concern and make the most of the special relationship between India and New Zealand.
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