In March 2005, the government of
New Zealand proposed and launched the most comprehensive review of its immigration law in twenty years. The deadline for public submissions on the proposal was initially set on June 14 this year. However, it was moved to June 30 because of popular response. All the submissions will then be examined by New Zealand's Cabinet before the end of 2006. After which, the Cabinet is expected to draft and hand a new bill to the Parliament early next year. The new bill will be aimed at changing the current 1987 Act as well as its amendments.
New Zealand's Immigration Act Review Discussion Paper was unveiled by Hon. David Cunliffe last April 5. The said move is just a fraction of the broader program to review the whole immigration system of New Zealand. The core goal of the review is to come up with a new and better immigration law, which will adequately meet the needs of immigrants as well as the nation. New Zealand has opened wide its doors to foreign skilled workers thus receiving
millions of migrants, workers, students, and visitors every year. According to the report of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the country also has the lowest rate of unemployment.
