Saturday October 13, 2007
Some immigrants who want to bring additional family members to New Zealand will face tougher rules under changes announced yesterday.
Under the changes, immigrants must be earning around $30,000 a year to sponsor parents to live here. Previously there was no threshold. They must also guarantee to support them for five years - three years longer than is currently the case.
Under the changes, people wishing to bring a partner to New Zealand also face a tougher character test.
Other changes include:
* Allowing multiple entry visas for parents and grandparents, making it easier for them to visit family in New Zealand.
* The withdrawal of the existing Family Quota category.
* Establishing quota places for parents (3100-3400), adult children (250-350) and adult siblings (1100-1250).
Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said the changes made it easier to bring family members to New Zealand to visit, but tightened up criteria for residency. "Parents and grandparents play a key role in family life. The new policies will make it easier for family from offshore to visit," he said.
"Enhanced character and sponsorship requirements ensure a transparent and sustainable family residence programme."
Mr Cunliffe said there would be no change to the overall distribution of different categories within the immigration programme with 60 per cent of places remaining available for skilled migrants, 30 per cent for family and 10 per cent for humanitarian placements.
(Source NZPA)
