New Zealand to cut 'low-skill' immigration and refocus on wealthy

[cinematicdiversions]

New Zealand has become an increasingly appealing destination for those seeking a haven – from Covid-19, economic recession or chaotic international politics. In recent years, the country gained a reputation for “billionaires’ boltholes”, as mega-rich speculators including Peter Thiel bought up remote properties in scenic, isolated regions.

But in a post-Covid world, the emigration dream will be less accessible – at least for those who don’t fall into the mega-rich category. On Monday, the New Zealand government announced it would be narrowing pathways for those hoping to migrate and work in the country, particularly those it classed as “low-skill” and low-wage workers. It simultaneously announced new measures to attract rich investors.

“When our borders fully open again, we can’t afford to simply turn on the tap to the previous immigration settings,” the tourism minister, Stuart Nash, said in a speech on Monday evening, which signalled sweeping changes ahead for immigration.

High levels of migration have contributed to 30% of New Zealand’s total population growth since the early 1990s, Nash said. New Zealand’s dependency on temporary workers – the highest in the OECD – “means businesses have been able to rely on lower-skilled labour and suppress wages rather than investing capital in productivity-enhancing plant and machinery, or employing and upskilling New Zealanders into work”, he said.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/17/new-zealand-to-cut-low-skill-immigration-and-refocus-on-wealthy

Interesting take from a liberal and progressive New Zealand.

[Scrivener7]

1. Liberal countries are those who protect the rights of their citizens. The article explains

how this move does that for New Zealanders. Why do you find this an "interesting take from liberal and progressive New Zealand"?

I'm thinking I'll file this with your completely baseless OP on how we must educate the women and the black people to understand how important the vaccine is.

[Celerity]

5. +1

[seaglass]

10. wish I could rec a post! n/t

[Kid Berwyn]

2. Protecting the Propertied

More Welfare for the Wealthy. If they happen to be White, great! THAT’s Tradition in ANZUS.

[electron_blue]

3. tax them

Hey, if they tax the wealthy at reasonable rates to make a difference to the country's budget, then leave the spigot open for them for awhile.

[mitch96]

6. Years ago I toyed with immigration to NZ.. Back then if did not have a skill that was in demand

It was very hard to immigrate. Unless you come with one million bucks, then y'all come... It seems not much has changed
m

[KPN]

9. Ditto here ... just toyed with it but did look into and found the same.

I could get a 6 month visa but couldn’t emigrate permanently. Even with a graduate degree and some skills.

But it didn’t really matter. It was kind of a fleeting thing for me — wasn’t totally serious about it, just looked into it.

[joetheman]

7. I believe world-wide greed, corruption and power lust are behind most of the tragedies of

poverty, war, environmental injustice, and environmental assault.

If only good government and governance would begin with eliminating the first two, lot could be one about the tragedies. A healthier, safer, happier, and more productive planet would result.

[dsc]

8. I am not sure how much of a change this is

I remember looking into New Zealand and them having a points system based on skills and wealth.