Record numbers of immigrants flood into New Zealand

According to the latest government figures, one migrant arrives in New Zealand every 16 minutes.

Starting from a state of concern about lack of skills and an ageing workforce, New Zealand is now speeding towards admitting a record number of migrants. Over 40,000 expats are expected to have arrived and settled in by the end of this year. T

he trend began in late spring 2013, with over 36,000 immigrants welcomed between then and now, and the projected year-on-year gain is now at its highest for a decade. In addition, far fewer Kiwis are heading for Australia, as that country’s slowing economy is now seen as far less attractive that in previous years.

A huge number of expat workers responded to calls to help rebuild Christchurch following the devastating earthquakes in 2010. Skilled professionals in the construction industry were proud to be part of the reconstruction, with many deciding to stay on.

Student inflows have also peaked, adding to skilled workers and their families to give an average of 4,000 arrivals every month. The news isn’t all good, however, as the New Zealand government was forced recently to protect expat workers’ rights as regards fair pay and fair working hours.

The government is also concerned that soaring expat numbers might translate into soaring house prices as well as competition between new arrivals and citizens for a dwindling number of jobs. Interest rate rises are rumoured to be on the horizon to compensate for the economic effects of mass immigration.