2 Apr 2010

Niue MP proposes easier access for New Zealand and Australian workers

2:52 pm on 2 April 2010

A Niue MP is calling on the government to remove obstacles stopping New Zealanders and Australians from moving to the island.

Niue is seeking to build up its population and encourage investment but there are no plans in the new immigration laws to ease work permit requirements for New Zealanders and Australians.

MP Terry Coe says legislation he has proposed to end the requirement for the annual renewal of work permits has been rejected by the Bills Committee.

He says renewing permits each year is very tough for people.

"It's very inconvenient, whereas if we could just have the people come up from New Zealand and Australia, and if they want to stay, make their minds up and stay, well they could stay. And that starts getting people, qualified people to come up here and just normally work, start up businesses and just help the place to develop."

And Mr Coe says if more Australians moved to Niue the island might also attract more aid assistance from Canberra.