More new migrants will be welcomed under the New Zealand Residence program during the next 12 months in response to continued skill shortages, Immigration Minister David Cunliffe announced Friday.

"Up to 52,000 places offered to migrants means more vacancies will be filled," said Cunliffe.

He said this will help employers who continue to say skill shortages are a constraint to the growth of their businesses, and will contribute to economic growth.

There will be a minimum of 47,000 and maximum of 52,000 places available for the 2006-07 year. This is the highest number since the 2001-02 year.

"More fundamental changes to the residence program are being looked at by the government for the 2007-08 financial year," the minister said.

Cunliffe also announced a policy change that means more skilled migrants with work experience in areas of "absolute skill shortage " will gain points towards residence in New Zealand.

Effective from July 24, work experience in countries considered non-comparable labor markets, such as India and China, will be recognized in areas of absolute skill shortages.

Absolute skill shortages are defined as world-wide shortages that show little sign of easing. This includes occupations such as IT professionals, plumbers and engineers.

Source: Xinhua