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Govt hits back over student visa claims

Author
Felix Marwick,
Publish Date
Wed, 28 Jan 2015, 4:21PM
Michael Woodhouse (Getty Images)
Michael Woodhouse (Getty Images)

Govt hits back over student visa claims

Author
Felix Marwick,
Publish Date
Wed, 28 Jan 2015, 4:21PM

The Government's adamant the foreign student visa scheme is working exactly as it should.

It's been criticised by New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters who's alleged it's being used as a pathway to citizenship.

Official figures show around 20,000 holders of student visas have been granted New Zealand residency over the last three years.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse says there's nothing wrong with what's happening and it's a good thing if students go on to become skilled migrants.

He says foreign students are worth $2.85 billion to the country every year and add around 30,000 jobs for Kiwi workers.

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