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What you will find in this quarter’s newsletter:
- EOI Considerations Faster- But at what cost?
- Business Migrants
- As a potential Business Migrant, what do you need to know?
- ILA Coming to the US
- Research confirms immigration’s contributions to New Zealand.
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EOI CONSIDERATIONS FASTER – BUT AT WHAT COST?
In accordance with the INZ Internal Administration Circular No: 09-08, the processing of Skilled Migrant Category Expressions of Interest, should now be expedited as a result of assessments being made on a prima facie basis as opposed to in-depth verification.
Whilst this appears to be beneficial to those submitting EOI’s, the faster and more cursory assessments, prior to an Invitation to Apply being issued, come at a cost. INZ officers have, until now, notified claimant’s of any concerns they have regarding the EOI before making a decline. Claimants have then had the opportunity to respond and provide additional evidence before the final decision was made. However, in accordance with the new IAC, INZ officers will no longer be required to extend this courtesy and can simply decline an Expression of Interest without forewarning the claimant.
In our opinion, this will result in an increase in EOI declines and underlines the importance of seeking professional advice upfront in order to ensure eligibility.
Unfortunately, INZ decisions are not always consistent or, in some cases logical. Take for example the Taxidermist whose occupation is listed together with Museum and Library Technicians in the ANZSCO. The officer advised that the EOI would be declined as the taxidermist did not catalogue cards and other such duties as required of a library technician. Thankfully, the practice of advising the reasons or concerns prior to a decision still applied at that time. When it was pointed out to the officer that librarians did not undertake the duties associated with taxidermy, the client was invited to apply for residence. Under the new IAC instructions however, this would have resulted in an immediate decline of the EOI.
Whilst many countries have borrowed heavily and closed the doors to immigration in order to insulate themselves from the global economic crisis, New Zealand is leading the way in proactively combating the recession through investment, business growth and business immigration. New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key recently stated that 'the door is open for investors'. This has by no means been an empty statement but has been followed up by proactive migration related incentive policies to attract foreign investment to New Zealand. However, New Zealand desires not only the investment of funds but more significantly, the personal investment of international business owners, managers and entrepreneurs by making their and their family’s migration to New Zealand attractive and realistic.
As opposed to heavily taxing the highest income earners and top level professionals, New Zealand is keen to attract these people and their skills to New Zealand and is introducing a raft of legislation to reduce business compliance costs to make New Zealand a more attractive destination for the business migrant.
Interest is being sought from those individuals with management or business ownership experience who are seeking to establish or purchase businesses in New Zealand. As the main consideration for eligibility is how the business will benefit New Zealand as opposed to the specific capital investment, businesses which are perhaps home based consultancy services to whom larger businesses outsource to, can also be considered favourably.
In addition, there are specific policies designed to attract the more significant capital investor – at a range of levels.
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AS A POTENTIAL BUSINESS MIGRANT, WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?
As a Business Migrant, we recommend that you obtain independent professional advice on a number of different issues prior to determining how you wish to proceed. These include:
Immigration Advice: Policy options and eligibility; optimum category for your individual needs; long term considerations; identification of potential areas of concern; evidence required.
Tax Advice: International tax law and if citizens can be affected by NZ permanent residence; tax implications of arrival date in NZ. This is not applicable to all countries, but strongly recommended for US citizens.
Business Operation & Environment in New Zealand: local and national business compliance requirements; industries and markets most in demand of investment and development.
Business & Investment Opportunities in New Zealand: Business Brokers, Developers, Franchise opportunities.
ILA can assist with directing your enquiries in these fields, so feel free to contact us.
ILA COMING TO THE US
In Spring/Summer 2010 (Northern Hemisphere calendar), ILA is coming to the US offering seminars to provide an outline of these general issues, followed by the option of attending One-to-0ne personal meetings with specialists in each field, to discuss your individual situation.
Interviews will be arranged by pre-registration only, due to limited places being available. To register your interest only for attendance at these seminars and interviews, please email us.
RESEARCH CONFIRMS IMMIGRATION’S CONTRIBUTION TO NEW ZEALAND
Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Immigration
3 November 2009 Media Statement
Immigration Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman has announced findings of a research study highlighting the major contribution that immigration makes to New Zealand’s economy. He was delivering the opening address at the Pathways, Circuits and Crossroads Conference, held at Te Papa in Wellington.
“What the Department of Labour’s International Migration Settlement and Employment Dynamics (IMSED) research shows us is that, without immigration the outlook is bleak,” says Dr Coleman
"Without current levels of inward migration, both our population base and economy would shrink dramatically. By 2021, our population would drop by 9.6 per cent and our GDP would drop by 11.3 percent. There would be a 10.9 percent drop in the available labour force and the export sector would be savaged with volumes dropping by 12.9 percent.
“What this research tells us is that immigration contributes significantly to every New Zealander’s per capita income,” says Dr Coleman.
“It’s clear that government policy has to continue the focus on economic gains from immigration.
“Significant achievements in the Government’s first year have included new Business Migration policies to reduce red tape and make it easier for a wider range of business migrants to invest in New Zealand, as well as improvements to the Recognised Seasonal Employer Policy.
“The passage of the Immigration Bill gives Government the framework for immigration policies that enhance economic growth. Intense focus is also going on improving the service delivery of Immigration New Zealand, through the Immigration Change Programme.”
The Pathways, Circuits and Crossroads conference is running until Wednesday 4 November and is being held at Te Papa in Wellington.
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