More evidence New Zealand’s ‘skills-based’ visa system is failing

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Much like Australia, New Zealand purports to run a ‘skills-based’ visa system that plugs critical skills shortages across the nation. However, new data from Statistics New Zealand actually shows that fewer of those migrating to New Zealand are of working-age. From Interest.co.nz:

The Government’s decision to open the door to the parents of migrants to settle in New Zealand comes as the number of migrants aged 60 or over coming to NZ hits a high.

Statistics NZ figures show 8923 migrants aged 60 or over arrived in this country in the 12 months to the end of July. That was the highest number since Statistics NZ began compiling the information in 2015.

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About the author
Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness. Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.