15 Jun 2015

Fijians have slim chance in NZ immigration lottery

8:30 am on 15 June 2015

An immigration adviser says the chance of getting a place in New Zealand's immigration ballot for Pacific Islanders is so slim that a new category should be created for islanders already working in the country.

Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama (L) and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama (L) and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key. Photo: SUPPLED / Republika / RNZ

Almost 9,000 Fijians applied for one of only 250 places drawn in the Pacific Access Category ballot to gain residence in New Zealand, for the first time since the military coup of 2006.

Atesh Narayan, of Auckland South Immigration Consultants, says some people have been complaining it is a money-making scheme, with little chance of a return for prospective immigrants.

He says many applicants will not reach the job, language and health requirements to gain residence and their places are not passed onto people who missed out in the ballot.

"If a person does not get a job offer within the eight months period, then he just misses his place and those people who miss out will have to pay $30 and do it again next year."

Atesh Narayan says a specific number of the places should go to New Zealand-based Fijians who already have good skills, jobs and are well-settled.