Govt continuing to prioritise high income earners in immigration system

The resumption today of the parent visa category needs to be followed by an end to the Government’s unfair salary based family reunification policy.

“Families thrive when they are able to be connected. People should be able to migrate with their families regardless of their salary. Reopening the parent visa category for only “skilled” migrants prioritises family reunification for high income earners, while forcing those on lower incomes to stay apart,” says Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party spokesperson for immigration.

“I acknowledge that the Minister has worked to lower the salary thresholds for the “skilled” migrant category, but doesn’t go far enough to make sure everyone is able to be with their family regardless of their salary. 

“Essentially what the Government is telling people is that if you come to New Zealand to work in a big corporation, then your parents can come with you. 

“But, if you come here to work in a school or hospital, then you could be forced to stay apart from your family.

“While the reopening of the parent category visa will bring relief to some families, it will prevent many from ever being together with their parents. 

“Our immigration system should deliver equitable pathways to residency and not reduce migrants to economic units. The Green Party will continue fighting for a fair system, and with more Green MPs we can make this happen” says Ricardo Menéndez March.

Latest Immigration Announcements

Story

Immigration changes a Green win

The Green Party is welcoming changes to the immigration system, but calls on the Government to offer equitable pathways to residency for workers no...
Read More

Story

Govt must grant visa waivers to all Pacific countries

The Green Party is once again calling on the Government to grant visa waivers to all Pacific countries. 
Read More

Story

Govt must extend Samoa visa changes to all Pacific countries

Thanks to Green Party pressure, visitors from Samoa can soon travel to Aotearoa without a visa – a right that should be extended to every Pacific c...
Read More

Story

Unacceptable immigration policy makes income a barrier to families being together

It is unacceptable for the Government to prioritise family reunification for high income earners, while forcing those on lower incomes to stay apar...
Read More

Story

Immigration rules must focus on workers’ rights, not just cater to businesses’ needs

The Green Party welcomes the Government’s decision to remove specific qualification requirements to enable more skilled chefs to come to Aotearoa, ...
Read More

Story

Govt’s migrant worker plan an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff

Once again the Government has stopped short of making necessary changes that will end the exploitation of people who travel to Aotearoa to work.
Read More