Opinion: Which immigrants will Labour ban? | Newshub – Newshub

Andrew Little's conundrum

Andrew Little cannot abolish the essential skills visa category, unless he comes up with a way to rapidly train thousands of Kiwis to work in areas where there are skill shortages.

If he abolishes the Working Holiday Scheme, then our friend nations will likely retaliate and prevent Kiwis from having working holidays too.

The Family/Spouse visa could be culled, but hed be breaking hearts across the globe, and if he abolishes the study-to-work scheme, that would have a serious impact on the number of international students coming to New Zealand universities and polytechnics.

The seasonal working visas are only five percent of the work category, and are a vital part of our role as a responsible Pacific neighbour.

Then theres the other category which is so complex, there cannot be a blanket abolition without breaching free trade deals, or regional agreements.

So what else could be cut?

Not much really, unless he wants to open up a can of diplomatic worms. He could ban Australians coming over - but imagine the effect that would have for Kiwis across the ditch when Australia retaliates with the same.

He could ban international students, but imagine the outrage from the tertiary sector when it loses its cash cows!

That leaves not much elseelse - he cant ban those on residents visas without human rights issues.

Labour is expected to announce a detailed policy on immigration later in the year.

The ball is in your court Mr Little - where will you make the cuts?

Lloyd is a political reporter for Newshub based in Wellington.

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Opinion: Which immigrants will Labour ban? | Newshub - Newshub