The country's immigration "reset" wants to reduce the economy's reliance on low-wage migrants.

Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash laid out the Government's immigration policy intentions in a speech this evening.

It includes making it harder for employers to take on workers from overseas, other than in areas of genuine skills shortages.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Heather du Plessis-Allan they want to make sure the skilled migrant category is filling genuine gaps.

"I think we know there are some industries where it hasn't, so we want to make sure that the criteria is spot on to give New Zealanders see the benefits of immigration."

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