The Government has proposed changes to the rules and practices governing the export industry, including education, trade and tourism, Immigration Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman said.
The changes, expected to be announced later this month, may include relaxation of pastoral care and guardianship requirements, short-term study entitlements and work rights for international students.
Speaking at a meeting of tourism and travel officials in Auckland last fortnight, Dr Coleman indicated that those on temporary work permits would be entitled to study more than one course up to a period of three months.
The existing rules restrict them to just one programme.
“This will benefit the export education sector,” he said.
Dr Coleman said export education generated more than $2 billion annually in foreign exchange and that it was key to future growth of the economy.
He said the changes will also benefit schools.
“The Government is keen to ensure that international students do not use only their education but also work experience to obtain Permanent Residence in New Zealand.”
He said the number of fee-paying students rose to 93,500 last year, from 88,570 the year before. China remained the country’s largest education market, with 20,780 students enrolled in various educational institutions, followed by South Korea (15,905), Japan (9697) and India (8673).
He said it was time the existing barriers were removed to make the export education sector more robust and attractive to foreign students.
“While New Zealand’s student immigration policies already compare favourably with competitor countries, these improvements will create additional opportunities for growth. Making it easier for temporary permit holders to study more while in New Zealand for other purposes is a win-win situation for all concerned,” Dr Coleman said.
More than 100 stakeholders representing the travel, tourism and education industry attended the meeting.
Education Ministry Policy Manager Paul Lister said the Government was also planning to amend the Code of Practice to provide a framework for minimum standards, good practice procedures and a complaints procedure.
Photo : Dr Jonathan Coleman
