National Party’s Immigration and Education Spokesperson Erica Stanford says her party does not support blanket amnesty for overstayers.
The MP for East Coast Bays told The Indian Weekender, “Many migrants who have been playing by the rules have missed out in recent years, and we should not reward those who have not followed the rules."
Immigration Minister Michael Wood has earlier said his government is considering the issue of overstayers, but indicated an amnesty scheme, if any, is likely not coming soon.
He said, “Our government is committed to upholding a fair rules-based immigration system and delivering on the goals of the immigration rebalance. Progressing an amnesty for overstayers would be a considerable undertaking, and regardless of which group of people it may be extended to, it would take time to progress and would require legislative change.”
Immigration officials estimate about 14,000 people across New Zealand are currently overstaying beyond their visa terms.
Stanford believes the Labour government’s focus should be on addressing critical labour shortages, supporting small businesses and making New Zealand an attractive destination for migrants worldwide.
“The focus of the immigration minister should be on attracting skilled migrants to New Zealand to fill critical shortages, grow the economy, and lift incomes for everyone. Additionally, partnership and family visas must be prioritised, and we aim to restore student numbers to pre-pandemic levels," she told The Indian Weekender.
Stanford also pointed out concerns over delays in processing visas. "Across nearly every visa category, processing times are significantly higher, making New Zealand less competitive internationally and causing needless bottlenecks. We need to address this issue promptly," she said.
Outlining National’s five-point plan to combat inflation, Stanford said the key focus will be on addressing worker shortages.
"We will encourage Kiwis on benefits to return to work while ensuring we attract the skilled migrants we need. In addition, we will expedite processing times, utilise the Green List more widely, and bring back international students with student work rights," she said.
When specifically asked if National would consider granting visas to migrants stuck offshore due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she said her party does recognise the significant impact on the migrant community, but “migrants can apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, which is the most straightforward pathway to attaining a visa and entering New Zealand".
Lastly, to make New Zealand a globally sought-after destination for migrants, the National says it plans to repair the country's international reputation.
"We will ensure our immigration system is attractive to skilled migrants through a clear pathway to residence and streamlined visa processing. Our main focus is on growing the economy and lifting incomes, which is the most important thing we can do to make New Zealand an attractive destination on the world stage,” she said.
Stanford added if her party were to win the October elections, it also plans to scrap the median wage requirement and replace it with an industry average that reflects skills and experience more fairly.