ACT's Immigration Policy
ACT supports more open immigration for skilled workers, removing barriers to immigration that the market needs, and a merit-based system focused on economic contribution. They oppose refugee quotas and support faster processing of visas to reduce business uncertainty.
In simple terms
Open the doors to skilled workers the economy needs, process visas faster, and base immigration decisions on what's good for the New Zealand economy.
Green Party's Immigration Policy
The Green Party supports a more compassionate immigration system with easier pathways for refugees and asylum seekers, family reunification, removing the character requirement for long-term residents, and ensuring migrant workers have full labour rights.
In simple terms
Welcome more refugees, make it easier for families to reunite in NZ, and ensure migrants have the same work rights as New Zealanders.
Labour's Immigration Policy
Labour introduced the 2021 immigration reset to reduce dependence on low-wage migration, created the Green List for critical health and education workers, and introduced the Pacific Access Category reset. They support a more selective, skills-focused immigration system.
In simple terms
Focus immigration on skilled workers New Zealand really needs, make it easier for Pacific Islanders to come to NZ, and reduce reliance on low-wage overseas labour.
National's Immigration Policy
National supports managed immigration to address skill shortages, with an emphasis on attracting high-skilled migrants. They have increased employer-assisted visas, maintained the points-based residence system, and support immigration that fills genuine gaps in the labour market.
In simple terms
Welcome skilled workers to fill job shortages, keep immigration well-managed, and make it easier for employers to bring in the workers they need.
NZ First's Immigration Policy
NZ First advocates for significantly reduced immigration levels to ease pressure on housing, infrastructure, and wages. They support prioritising New Zealand citizens for jobs, stricter visa enforcement, and a focus on migrants who genuinely contribute to regions outside of Auckland.
In simple terms
Cut immigration significantly to ease pressure on housing and wages, put New Zealanders first for jobs, and direct more migrants to regions rather than Auckland.
Te Pāti Māori's Immigration Policy
Te Pāti Māori supports strong Pacific connections through immigration, recognises the Treaty relationship with all who come to Aotearoa, supports pathways for undocumented long-term residents, and a more compassionate approach to refugees and asylum seekers.
In simple terms
Make it easier for Pacific people to come to New Zealand, give long-term undocumented residents a pathway to stay, and treat refugees with compassion.