The Parent Category Visa, which allows migrants to bring over their family members, will be reopened. The previous government closed the category entirely in 2016, however this week it was announced that the category will reopen in February next year - with some changes. Many are criticising the new requirements as discriminatory and favouring the rich.
These include capping the number of visas a year to 1,000 and increasing the financial requirements of the migrant child who must sponsor their parents. While previously a migrant worker would only have to prove an annual income of $65,000 to sponsor one parent, this has been increased to $106,080 for one parent and $159,120 for two. Or, if you are looking to combine your and your partner’s incomes, $159,120 for one parent and $212,160 for two. These numbers are based on the median income of $53,040.
Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway sez the high salary threshold is to help to attract high-skilled migrants to New Zealand.
I spoke to Tax Barrister Dave Ananth about how he would suggest the scheme be changed, such as by introducing temporary visas. He began by dispelling the myth that all migrant parents are interested in Permanent Residency.
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