22 Apr 2021

Migrant can't start studies due to visa hold-up

From Morning Report, 7:41 am on 22 April 2021

A young migrant accepted into the Science Faculty at the University of Auckland can't start his studies because of visa hold-ups.

The man, who has been in the country for 5 years now, says he’s been told he isn’t allowed to work or even volunteer thanks to the continuing delays in processing applications by Immigration New Zealand.

Officials admit some Year 13 students who are dependent on families for visas may face challenges when they finish high school.

Chen Liu reports.

Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi says he expects a review of the skilled migrant category to canvas a range of settings including criteria relating to dependents and parents' residence applications.

He says he's aiming to see the work get under way towards the second half of this year.