May 2017 net immigration levels of New Zealand reach record high

May 2017 net immigration levels of New Zealand have reached record high owing to huge arrivals of overseas immigrants mostly from Australia, the UK, and China. Yearly net immigration levels reached 72, 000 for the year ending May 2017. This was higher when compared to the 68, 400 in 2016 as revealed by the New Zealand Statistics. Three-fourths of the 130, 400 immigrant arrivals were from non-natives of New Zealand. The arrivals and exit of New Zealand citizens neutralized the net output in the previous year. There was a net immigration gain of 73, 000 non-New Zealand nationals in the year 2016, as quoted by The Guardian. In the recent years, New Zealand has been witnessing high net immigration levels. Its economic growth surpassed Australia implying lesser immigration of New Zealanders to Australia. Increased immigration is emerging as the key issue for elections due in September 2017. Rising pressure on infrastructural facilities and an increase in real estate prices are being attributed to rising net immigration levels. Chinese nationals accounted for 12% of immigrant arrivals for the year and 10% of the total arrived each from Australia and the UK. The arrival of Indian immigrants to New Zealand decreased by 31% to 9, 200 and there was a 40% decrease yearly in the percentage of visas approved to Indian students. This was neutralized by an increase in arrival of immigrants from South Africa and the UK. The percentage of work visa approved in the year increased by 14% to 44,500 while the percentage of student visa approvals decreased by 14% to 23, 700. China remains the top source of immigrants to New Zealand with a visa for residence increasing by 18% to reach 3, 419 for the year ending in May 2017. If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to New Zealand, contact Y-Axis, the world’s most trusted Immigration & Visa Consultant.