NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION NEWS

New Zealand Residence Programme (NZRP) Numbers Released

Thursday, 17 July 2008

The New Zealand Government announced that the number of available places under the New Zealand Residence Programme (NZRP) for the 2008/09 financial year would be set at 45,000 to 50,000 places.

The New Zealand Government allocated the same number of places during the previous financial year, and are hoping to attract greater numbers of skilled migrants to help build communities, the economy, and fill gaps in the workforce.

As New Zealand relies heavily on immigration to fill skilled labour shortages, the majority of places (approximately 60 per cent) will be for skilled and business migrants.

About 30 per cent of places will be for family categories and the remaining 10 per cent for available humanitarian purposes and international commitments.

Immigration New Zealand states that: “The number of places decided by the Government balances the needs of the labour market, New Zealand’s ability to accept new migrants, and our international obligations”.

The NZRP makes a crucial contribution to the country’s workforce and economic growth.

If you are interested in Visas to New Zealand or would like more information on Skilled Migration, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you.