Moves to stop asylum seekers heading to NZ

Further restrictions are about to be imposed on illegal asylum seekers.

Amendments to immigration laws are to be introduced to Parliament this week aimed at making it harder for boat people and people smugglers to get into New Zealand.

Prime Minister John Key says limits will be put on family reunification for those who are part of a mass arrival whom are allowed to stay.

He says immediate family, such as spouses and children, will be able to be sponsored for residency.

"Extended families, such as parents of an adult refugee and adult siblings, will not be eligible to be sponsored. The policy changes will only apply to illegal mass arrivals."

The Act is to be amended so that should a big group of illegal migrants arrive here, they can be detained under a group warrant, rather than an individual one.

Mr Key says it'll make things more efficient for immigration officials.

"Moving to a group warrant will enable our immigration officials to focus on managing immediate risks rather than being tied up in paperwork and clogging up the courts trying to obtain individual warrants."

Other changes will mean a claimant's refugee status will be reassessed three years after its determined, with permanent residence not granted unless the reassessment is approved.

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