There's belief New Zealand needs to be making itself more attractive to potential immigrants.

An InterNations survey of expats has named the country as the second-worst country for living and working in.

Out of 52 destinations - it's been ranked at 51 - with only Kuwait coming in behind.

Respondents describe New Zealand as too expensive and too difficult to find a job on arrival.

Immigration lawyer Aaron Martin told Tim Dower it comes as immigration application fees are set to shoot up at the end of the month, with some increasing in cost by more than 130 percent.

“When you’re trying to compete against Australia and Canada, and you’re not really providing very clear immigration policies, trying to then up your fee to boot seems a little bit counterproductive.”

Mexico has been ranked the number 1 country for expats.

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