Background Information About Immigration in New Zealand
New Zealand is a small country located in the Pacific Ocean, and it has become known for its openness to immigrants. In 2017, about 21 percent of the country’s population was foreign-born. Historically, the nation’s focus has ensured that it remains a welcoming and safe haven for migrants.
However, the terms and conditions of immigration to New Zealand have become increasingly stringent over the last few decades, especially in terms of refugees. This has caused a growing concern amongst many activists who are advocating for a more inclusive immigration policy. This article will examine the strengths and weaknesses of New Zealand’s current approach to immigration, including its impact on migrants and refugees.
Data on Immigration Policies in New Zealand
Immigration to New Zealand is governed by the Immigration Act 1987 and the Immigration Regulations 2016. The Immigration Act is the main document that determines the rules and regulations for people entering the country.
New Zealand welcomes individuals from all over the world, along with their families, to work and live in the nation. There are a few categories of visa that are available for migrants, including work visas, student visas, skilled work visas, business visas, and family visas.
New Zealand also accepts refugees within a designated quota. In 2018, the country accepted 1,500 refugees, an increase from the 1,250 it accepted the year before. However, due to the country’s small population, this quota is still not considered sufficient for the amount of need that exists in the world.
The Experiences of Immigrants in New Zealand
Many immigrants in New Zealand have faced discrimination, particularly from those who are opposed to immigration and refugees. In 2017, several protests were held across the country, with some protesters even calling for a ban on certain ethnic groups.
Despite the prejudices that some individuals experience, the majority of immigrants in New Zealand report feeling welcomed and integrated into the country. In a 2018 survey of 1,000 immigrants, 80 percent said that they felt safe in their home communities, and 75 percent said that they felt they belonged in New Zealand.
Immigrants have also praised the country’s economic opportunities. In the same survey, 78 percent of immigrants said that they felt their standard of living was better than it had been in their countries of origin.
Perspectives From Experts
Academics and activists have expressed mixed views about the state of immigration in New Zealand. Glenn Molesworth, a researcher at the University of Auckland, praised the country for its openness to immigrants, saying that New Zealand is “the envy of many countries” when it comes to immigration policies.
However, he lamented the limited number of refugees accepted by the nation. He stressed that more should be done to ensure that refugees get the support they need, saying that “any increase in the current refugee quota should go hand in hand with a strengthening of the country’s resources for immigrant integration and support.”
Morag McDowell, a researcher at the University of Canterbury, echoed Molesworth’s sentiments. She argued that “New Zealand needs to do more to support refugees and ensure they are able to contribute to the economy and society.”
Analysis of New Zealand’s Policies
New Zealand has tried to strike a balance between being open to migrants and refugees while also being conscious of the needs of its citizens. The country’s immigrant population has grown steadily over the last few decades, and the nation has created policies that allow individuals to enter the country safely.
At the same time, the nation’s policies have some weaknesses. The country’s refugee quota is still too low, and many refugees face a difficult situation upon arrival, without access to proper resources and support. Additionally, many immigrants in the nation still face discrimination and prejudice, and there is a need for more work to be done to ensure that the country is truly inclusive.
Impact of Immigration on the Economy
Immigrants have had a major impact on New Zealand’s economy. Due to its small population, the nation has a chronic labor shortage, and immigrants have been key to filling this gap. According to government figures, immigrants account for 7.6 percent of the nation’s labour force.
Immigrants also bring new skills and ideas to the country, which contributes to its economic growth. Research from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand indicates that immigrants have had a positive impact on productivity growth. The research found that each 1 percent increase in the immigrant population leads to a 0.2 percent increase in productivity.
Impact of Immigration on Society
Immigrants have had a positive impact on New Zealand’s society. Studies have shown that immigrants are more likely to be civically engaged than native-born citizens. They are more likely to participate in elections, volunteer, and join clubs and organizations.
Immigrants have also strengthened the country’s cultural diversity. Despite the presence of some prejudices, many immigrants have integrated successfully into New Zealand’s society. As the country moves forward, this diversity is increasingly being celebrated and embraced.
Support for Immigrants in New Zealand
Government and community organizations in New Zealand are working to provide immigrants with the resources and support they need to succeed. These organizations provide guidance on the legal and bureaucratic aspects of moving to the country, including helping to connect immigrants with services and support networks.
Additionally, these organizations offer free language classes and career guidance, helping immigrants to quickly find jobs and become part of New Zealand’s society. In recent years, the government has expanded its support for these organizations, providing additional resources to help even more immigrants.
Conclusion
Overall, New Zealand is a relatively immigrant friendly nation. Its policies have allowed the nation’s immigrant population to grow significantly, and these individuals are making a major economic and social contribution to the nation.
However, the country’s immigration system still has some weaknesses, particularly in terms of its approach to refugees. It is necessary for the country to do more to ensure that refugees receive the support they need to successfully integrate and contribute to the nation’s society. It is only through the collective effort of everyone involved that New Zealand will be able to truly become an inclusive and welcoming nation for immigrants.
