New Zealand's FM Winston Peters warns immigration curbs on Indians could harm ties: Report

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters has reportedly expressed fears that tightening immigration rules for Indian nationals in the country could hurt the ties between New Delhi and Wellington. An insight into the Kiwi diplomat's concern was reported by the Post on Thursday, citing an anonymous official close to the matter.

The remarks from Peters on the India-New Zealand ties came at a time when the work to implement the changes to New Zealand immigration settings is already underway, the Post reported. In a statement earlier this week, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford mentioned that a draft of the proposed changes had been circulated to ministers.

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However, she also maintained that no final decision has been made as of now. The issue has also become sensitive because New Zealand's parliament is also expected to approve a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with India. Not only this, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to the country next week.

It has become important to point out that Peters, the leader of the government coalition partner New Zealand First, has opposed the FTA with India because it is not beneficial for the Kiwis, Bloomberg reported. However, the governing National Party has secured support from the opposition Labour Party to ensure the legislation passes through parliament.

Peters' opposition to FTA but remains concerned

Last week, the New Zealand foreign minister spoke against the FTA bill in parliament and revealed the government’s plans to tighten immigration rules for Indian nationals. “We’ve recently received the evidence in the form of a briefing from officials, and the consequent decisions made by the Minister of Immigration that immigration policy settings are being made more restrictive in a way which targets India and India alone,” he said.

However, behind closed doors, Peters noted that officials warned the more restrictive settings could affect bilateral and trade relations with India. He also mentioned that the legislation could potentially damage New Zealand's reputation as a place to do business.

According to the Post, Peters also warned that the curbs could also be open to legal challenge and could lead to retaliatory action “This is our concern as Foreign Minister, because they are potentially damaging to our reputation as a country that is transparent in dealings and one whose word can be relied upon,” Peters later told parliament. The government “must explain why these restrictions will apply to India and India alone and not to all New Zealand FTA partners,” he said.

Last week, in a separate statement, Peters said that the government of New Zealand's proposal would impose pressure on a labour market and economic needs test on Indian nationals that doesn’t apply to citizens of other relevant FTA partners.

It is pertinent to note that the proposal in question precludes Indian citizens from applying for a temporary employment entry visa from within New Zealand, an option available to citizens of other trade partners.

With inputs from agencies.