India largest source of immigration to New Zealand

New Zealand, 21st July: There has been a big increase in the number of skilled immigrants hailing from India moving to New Zealand.

Increased number of Indians coming to New Zealand--According to information, an increase of 12 percent has been witnessed in the number of immigrants coming to New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant scheme in the year 2010-11.

While immigration from India to New Zealand is seeing an upward trend, there has been a declining trend with regard to immigration to New Zealand from other nations including the UK, China, the Philippines and South Africa.

As per the latest figures revealed by MTS (Migration Trends Statistics), immigration to New Zealand from China went down by 11 percent, while immigration from Britain, the Philippines and South Africa declined by 17 percent, 25 percent and 37 percent respectively.

Increase due to Indians gaining permanent residency in New Zealand—This increase in skilled immigration to New Zealand from India is being attributed to the Indian students gaining New Zealand permanent residency after coming here on New Zealand temporary work visas.

The report by MTS further reveals that while the number of skilled immigrants getting approval for New Zealand permanent residency went up for Indians, it showed a decline for immigrants hailing from other nations including the UK, South Africa, the Philippines and China.

There has been an increase in the number of New Zealand student visas approved in the period between July 2010 and May 2011.

As per the figures, an increase of three percent has been registered over the previous year’s figures of 67,453 New Zealand student visas approved.

China was the biggest source of foreign students to New Zealand by claiming a share of 23 percent, while India, with a share of 14 percent, and South Korea, with a share of 12 percent, followed at second and third places respectively.

The reason why more and more Indian students are choosing New Zealand as a destination for studying is due to its reputation of being a peaceful nation.

Earlier, a large number of Indians chose Australia for studying, but the racial attacks spoiled Australia’s reputation among the student community. Hence, New Zealand is becoming a favorite immigration destination for studying among Indians.