Editorial One
Issue 425 October 15, 2019
It is easy to get emotional on Immigration for, it involves movement of people, in most cases, immediate members of the family, partners, parents and relatives.
No government anywhere in the world has ever been able to please everyone when it changes rules, practices and procedures.
Immigration Minister and along with him the Labour Party have been receiving a lot of flak over the recent decisions on Parents Visa and Partner’s Visa; at best the changes tighten the procedures and ensures that right people are allowed to settle in New Zealand and at worst, they are seen as ‘driving Indians out of the country.’
Benefits of migration
The liberal case for immigration is simply put. Openness to newcomers is morally right, economically beneficial and culturally enriching.
But to remain a multicultural country, our Immigration Policy should be more equitable, widespread and better balanced.
As former Minister Peter Dunne wrote, “Our policy needs to go further and allow all parents of New Zealand permanent residents and citizens an automatic right to short-term entry or residence, subject to the standard health and character requirements. This would deal in one fell swoop to the many cases of parents wanting to make short-term visits to see children or grandchildren, or attend family events.”
The economic case for migration is equally compelling. Just as labour mobility is desirable within national borders, so too across them. Allowing people to move from poorer countries to richer ones that have more capital, superior technologies and better institutions boosts their productivity and that of the global economy.
Some are more willing to do jobs that locals spurn, such as picking fruit or caring for the elderly. Others have skills that natives lack.
