7. Question No. 7—ImmigrationIBRAHIM OMER (Labour) to the Minister of ImmigrationQuestion No. 7—Immigration7. IBRAHIM OMER (Labour) to the Minister of Immigration: What recent announcements has he made regarding the migrant workforce?Hon MICHAEL WOOD (Minister of Immigration): Yesterday I announced two significant changes to the working holiday scheme which could mean thousands more workers available for Kiwi businesses. Firstly we're extending by six months the visas of working holidaymakers currently in New Zealand with visas due to expire between 4 April and 30 September and granting them open work rights so they can work for the same employer for longer than three months. Secondly the Spanish Working Holiday Scheme will be significantly expanded with the amount of places increasing from 200 to 2000 under an agreement that was negotiated by the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern. These changes will come into effect when the scheme opens on 13 April. We know how many industries such as tourism hospo agriculture and horticulture do rely on working holidaymakers and it's great to be able to give these sectors a boost as they deal with historically low unemployment in New Zealand.Ibrahim Omer: How many working holiday visa holders will be eligible for the sixmonth extension?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: I'm advised that around 7500 working holiday visa holders will be eligible for the six-month extension. They must also have been onshore on 4 April to be eligible. They will continue either to be able to work in their current casual jobs or to travel and find other work depending on their individual circumstances. Ibrahim Omer: How many working holiday visas have been approved since the border opened last year?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Immigration New Zealand has approved over 52000 working holiday visas since the border reopened last year with around about 36500 people subsequently entering New Zealand after having a visa approved. These are strong numbers given both the high demand for migrant labour internationally and the disruption caused by COVID-19 and the border closure and we are constantly reviewing our settings as per this week's announcements to ensure that we're doing all that we can to make New Zealand an attractive place for people to travel and work.Ibrahim Omer: What other recent announcements has the Minister made regarding migrant workforce?Hon MICHAEL WOOD: Earlier this week I announced alongside the Minister of Finance the Government's interim response to the Productivity Commission's report into how immigration policy settings can best support economic growth and community wellbeing. The Government's interim response noted that work would be undertaken on a Government policy statement on immigration which will give both employers and migrant groups a greater understanding of the Government's priorities and decisionmaking processes regarding immigration policy settings. It will also complement our efforts to ensure that we have the right mix of skills amongst migrant workers to boost productivity and growth and to ensure that migrant workers are treated well. I look forward to engaging with sector groups and others with an interest in this work as we take it forwards in the coming months.