Labour will plan immigration around New Zealand's capacity, protect migrants from exploitation and make it easier for Pacific whānau to reconnect.
- Immigration planned around capacity through a Government Policy Statement that reflects workforce demographic, housing and infrastructure needs
- Permanent residence after four years in New Zealand instead of two, supported by orientation and civic education delivered by community education providers
- Protection from exploitation: migrants can move between accredited employers after three months, and the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme is strengthened
- Humanitarian appeals against deportation protected, and a citizenship pathway for children born in New Zealand
- Reviews of parent visa, health and English-language rules
- Pacific visa-waiver access expanded to citizens from the Pacific Islands Forum nations
Plan immigration around New Zealand's capacity
Labour will plan immigration around New Zealand's capacity by setting goals through a Government Policy Statement on immigration that reflects our workforce demographic, housing and infrastructure needs.
Encourage migrants to put down roots
Labour will encourage migrants to put down roots by extending the period migrants must live here before becoming eligible for permanent residence from two years to four.
This will be supported by a programme of New Zealand orientation and civic education delivered by community education providers to strengthen social cohesion.
Protect migrants from exploitation
Labour will protect migrants from exploitation by:
- Enabling migrants to move between accredited employers after three months
- Strengthening the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme
- Improving access to support in their communities
See also Labour's Fairer Workplaces policy.
Treat people with decency
Labour will treat people with decency by:
- Protecting humanitarian appeals against deportation
- Setting up a citizenship pathway for children born in New Zealand
- Reviewing parent visa, health and English-language rules
| Area | Labour will |
|---|---|
| Permanent residence | Extend the period migrants must live here before becoming eligible from two years to four |
| Changing employers | Enable migrants to move between accredited employers after three months |
| Deportation | Protect humanitarian appeals against deportation |
| Citizenship | Set up a citizenship pathway for children born in New Zealand |
| Visa rules | Review parent visa, health and English-language rules |
Pacific visa-waiver
Labour will expand visa-waiver access to citizens from the Pacific Islands Forum nations, making it easier and more affordable for Pacific whānau to reconnect.
We know that too often, it will fall on families here in New Zealand to sponsor loved ones from the islands for a visit.
Families shouldn't have to choose between meeting their everyday costs and being able to welcome loved ones from the islands to New Zealand.
We recognise New Zealand's special relationship and deep family ties with Pacific countries, and we hope this will bring relief to Pacific families welcoming their loved ones from the islands to our beautiful country.
Read about Labour's wider plans for the Pacific in Foreign Affairs →
What is Labour's immigration policy?
Labour will plan immigration around New Zealand's capacity, encourage migrants to put down roots, protect migrants from exploitation and treat people with decency. Labour will also expand visa-waiver access to citizens from the Pacific Islands Forum nations.
How will Labour plan immigration around New Zealand's capacity?
Labour will plan immigration around New Zealand's capacity by setting goals through a Government Policy Statement on immigration that reflects the workforce demographic, housing and infrastructure needs.
How long will migrants have to live in New Zealand before they can get permanent residence?
Labour will extend the period migrants must live in New Zealand before becoming eligible for permanent residence from two years to four. This will be supported by a programme of New Zealand orientation and civic education delivered by community education providers to strengthen social cohesion.
How will Labour protect migrants from exploitation?
Labour will enable migrants to move between accredited employers after three months, strengthen the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme, and improve access to support in their communities.
What will Labour do about deportation and citizenship for children born in New Zealand?
Labour will protect humanitarian appeals against deportation and set up a citizenship pathway for children born in New Zealand.
What will Labour review in parent visa, health and English-language rules?
Labour will review parent visa, health and English-language rules as part of treating people with decency.
What is Labour's Pacific visa-waiver policy?
Labour will expand visa-waiver access to citizens from the Pacific Islands Forum nations, making it easier and more affordable for Pacific whānau to reconnect.
Why is Labour expanding visa-waiver access for the Pacific?
Too often, it falls on families in New Zealand to sponsor loved ones from the islands for a visit. Families shouldn't have to choose between meeting their everyday costs and being able to welcome loved ones from the islands to New Zealand. Labour recognises New Zealand's special relationship and deep family ties with Pacific countries.
How does Labour's immigration policy relate to its other policies?
Protecting migrants from exploitation sits alongside Labour's Fairer Workplaces policy. The Pacific visa-waiver is also part of the Pacific commitments in Labour's Foreign Affairs policy.
Labour will back people to build their lives and careers here, while ensuring immigration supports the long-term interests of New Zealand.
Better starts now.
Sign up to receive the latest announcements directly to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe any time.
