Temporary visa gives no guarantee

About 30 per cent of those arriving in New Zealand on temporary work permits end up gaining permanent residency within five years.

Immigration New Zealand head Andrew Annakin said when a person was on a temporary work visa, as Timaru man Robin White was, there was no guarantee of either further permits or permanent residence. Any additional permit was subject to the normal application process.

Mr White must leave the country with his family because his work permit has expired,

Though about 30 per cent of all temporary workers gained permanent residency within five years, only 22 per cent of temporary workers from Britain did so.

Mr Annakin said the lower number reflected the high number of British working holidaymakers, who were less likely to apply for residency.

The service's policy had always been based on ensuring New Zealanders had the first opportunity to fill job vacancies.

Increased unemployment due to recession meant more New Zealanders were seeking jobs.

"When Mr White recently applied for a further work permit, a check of the labour market indicated suitable New Zealanders were available to take up the position. For this reason a further work permit was not granted.

"We do take into account the employer's needs but they need to be balanced against the need to ensure New Zealanders are not disadvantaged.

Asked whether there was any way Mr White could stay in New Zealand, Mr Annakin said if he could demonstrate he was entitled to remain in New Zealand under any of Immigration's existing policies, then he could be eligible to stay.

- © Fairfax NZ News