By Amandeep Kaur, IANS,
Hamilton (New Zealand) : The number of migrants coming to New Zealand from India has continued to increase rapidly in the last three years, despite the global economic downturn that saw significant reduction in the flow of foreign workers to many countries.
Some 73,400 international students were approved for studies in New Zealand in 2009-10 contributing over $2.3 billion annually to the economy.
India has now become the largest source country of international students to New Zealand, according to statistics released by the department of labour.
In addition to being a safe and a family-oriented country, there were a number of opportunities in New Zealand in business and hospitality management, said Gurpreet Singh, a business management student.
“Since the past few years, large number of students from Punjab and Gujarat are coming to New Zealand for higher studies,” he said.
“There are many reasons why New Zealand continues to be an attractive destination for Indian students and migrants,” said Richard Howard, former chairman of the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment.
“These include our British Commonwealth heritage, a safe and welcoming society, the high standard of education and the fact that New Zealand is well perceived internationally as a clean, green and forward-thinking country.”
“New Zealand’s immigration policies can also provide graduating students with a structured and transparent pathway to work and possible residence which are important considerations for Indian students,” he said.
(Amandeep Kaur can be contacted at [email protected])