Venkat Raman
Auckland, October 1, 2021
Immigration suddenly becomes a subject of national debate and gratitude
That is also the main topic of analysis in the latest (October 1, 2021) Digital Edition of Indian Newslink
Hundreds of thousands of migrant workers of Indian origin, waiting to become permanent residents will now have an opportunity to fulfil their ambition as the government introduces a new, one’-off Residence Policy announced on Thursday, September 30, 2021.
Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced significant changes to the immigration system, the most insignificant of which is a simplified process of granting about 165,000 residence visas to migrants currently in New Zealand. This would include more than 5000 health and aged care workers, about 9000 primary industry workers, and more than 800 teachers.
They would however be required to comply with the health, police and security criteria.
Mr Faafoi said that the government is providing a way forward for migrant families who have been disrupted by Covid-19 while ensuring businesses have the certainty they need to plan for their future and help in economic recovery.
“The changes give migrants certainty about their future here, allowing them to continue putting down roots, and will help reunite families separated by the border restrictions that prevent Covid-19 from entering the community. We acknowledge the uncertainty and difficulties caused to the migrant community. We have been carefully working through this residence option to offer certainty they need to truly make New Zealand their home,” he said.
Mr Faafoi said that the 2021 Resident Visa will also help in attracting and retaining the skills New Zealand businesses need to help relieve labour pressures caused by Covid-19.
Surging popularity
Judging by the deluge of press releases and letters of appreciation from businesses, professional organisations, immigration advisors and cross-sections of communities coming in since early this morning, the Labour government in general and Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi have received accolades from the migrant communities and those awaiting for their families to join them from overseas.
Today’s announcement from the government is a retreat from its earlier position to drastically limit immigration to now adopting National’s Covid-Contribution Policy.
After wasting four years, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi has finally realised that with the tightest labour market in more than 40 years, low unemployment and a global bidding war for talented workers Kiwis businesses desperately need our valuable skilled migrants to stay.
The government has adopted the main elements of National’s policy announced on August 4 including (a) Creating a pathway to residence for those migrants who have stuck with us through the Covid-19 pandemic (b) Creating a fast-tracked, streamlined process for residence applications to quickly clear the backlog (c) Offering a pathway to residence to attract critical workers into New Zealand (d) Prioritising families with adult children and (e) Prioritising critical healthcare workers.
Prioritising split families
National MP for East Coast Bays and Spokesperson Erica Stanford described the government’s announcement ‘as a retreat from its earlier position to drastically limit immigration to now adopting National’s Covid-Contribution Policy.’ After wasting four years, Mr Faafoi has finally realised that with the tightest labour market in more than 40 years, low unemployment and a global bidding war for talented workers Kiwis businesses desperately need our valuable skilled migrants to stay, she says in this article. Please do not miss it.
Bainimarama warns of catastrophic consequences: Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama has warned the international community of the dire consequences of ignoring the global warming phenomenon and the precipice of climate catastrophe on which the world is perching. “Despite all the talk we hear of saving the planet, the world’s collective commitments are paltry, akin to spitting into the strengthening winds of climate-fuelled super-storm,” he said, addressing the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 26, 2021. Like many other leaders, he did not travel to New York but took to virtual participation.
Please read our October 1, 2021 Digital Edition and share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and on WhatsApp groups. The Edition also carries our usual departments- Current Affairs, Education, Business, Opinion, Community, Entertainment and Sports.
