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The New Zealand Government is taking proactive steps to strengthen the fiscal sustainability and integrity of the immigration system, marked by the successful first reading of the Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Bill.
These reforms come in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape and the need for an immigration system that is smart, flexible, and responsive. The proposed changes aim to ensure that immigration policies can effectively manage risks while remaining sustainable in the long term.
The Amendment Bill introduces several key measures to maintain a balanced, efficient, and fair immigration system, including:
- Protecting vulnerable individuals such as refugees and protection claimants—through actions recommended in the 2022 Victoria Casey review.
- Requiring judicial warrants for out-of-hours compliance operations, in line with the 2023 Michael Heron review.
- Strengthening enforcement against migrant exploitation and introducing tougher penalties for residence class visa holders who commit criminal offences.
- Introducing flexibility to respond effectively to unexpected events like natural disasters.
- Expanding the immigration levy framework to potentially include a broader payer base and explore future levy options (note: no immediate changes planned for this year).
These changes are designed to futureproof New Zealand’s immigration system, ensuring it upholds system integrity while also respecting individual rights.
Stay informed by exploring the full details of the Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Bill, and watch for further updates as the reforms progress.
Have a question?
Read our FAQs
What is the purpose of the Amendment Bill?
The Bill aims to strengthen the fiscal sustainability and system integrity of New Zealand’s immigration framework. It ensures the system remains fair, responsive, and adaptable to changing global and domestic conditions.
Why is the Government making these changes now?
The immigration system needs to keep pace with an evolving geopolitical landscape and increased migration complexity. These changes will help ensure immigration settings can manage risks and operate sustainably over time.
How will this Bill protect vulnerable individuals?
The Bill strengthens safeguards for refugees and protection claimants by implementing key recommendations from the Victoria Casey review, ensuring fairer and more humane treatment of those seeking protection.
What does the Bill say about migrant exploitation and criminal offences?
It proposes stronger enforcement measures, making it easier to prosecute migrant exploitation and introducing harsher consequences for residence class visa holders involved in criminal activity.
What is the significance of judicial warrants for compliance activity?
In response to the Michael Heron review, the Bill now requires judicial warrants for any after-hours immigration compliance operations, improving legal oversight and protecting individuals’ rights.