10 March 2008

IT shortfall encourages New Zealand immigration

An average of 4,000 new IT positions are created in New Zealand every year, according to new research. With only 1,300 graduates entering the industry each year this news may attract more people to New Zealand immigration. The figures come from the latest Survey of Employers who have Recently Advertised (SERA) statistics.

The research has also revealed that the only 64 per cent of IT positions in New Zealand are filled and there are only 1.9 suitable applicants for every position. Ian Hunter, Weltec programme manager for Information Technology, said: "It is not just about fixing computers and staring at monitors all day. IT is responsible for the world wide web, online social networks like Facebook and YouTube and the instantaneous exchange of information that we have become accustomed to." People considering New Zealand skilled migration can take one of the New Zealand online visa assessments.

It was recently claimed that people are moving to New Zealand for the sole purpose of improving their chances of being allowed into Australia.

New Zealand needs skilled migrants: Anyone applying for a New Zealand visa should begin by taking the New Zealand Visa Bureau's online New Zealand visa assessment to see if they meet the basic legislative requirements.