The Greens are calling for the Government to reconsider the immigration reset so that it better reflects our relationship with our Pacific neighbours.

Proposed immigration changes by the Government fail to guarantee pathways to residency to workers in the types of jobs deemed essential throughout the pandemic, by prioritising high income earners - instead of focusing on the wellbeing of workers and enabling migrants to put down roots.

An independent review of New Zealand’s detention regime for asylum seekers has found arbitrary and abusive practices in Aotearoa’s immigration law, policy, and practice.

After weeks of advocacy by Green MPs, Immigration New Zealand has given assurances that West Papuan students whose scholarships were cancelled by the Indonesian Government will not be deported - and that a team will now be formed to assess the future needs of the students.

“The Green Party has been advocating consistently for pathways for family reunification and visa waiver status and we welcome today’s announcement on the 2022 Special Ukraine Policy,” says Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party spokesperson for immigration.

The Green Party urges the Government to offer to resettle and support Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russian violence and persecution.

Now the Government has decided on a date to reopen the border, the Green Party says additional steps should be taken to keep everyone safe.

The Green Party says the Government needs to extend the one-off residency scheme to all workers, instead of keeping them in limbo with visa extensions every 6 months.

A one-off broad residency pathway will ensure tens of thousands of migrants who have made Aotearoa New Zealand their home can settle here and thrive into the future.

The Green Party will deliver its open letter asking the Minister for Immigration to fix the broken immigration system next week.