Immigrants from UK and US Increases Rapidly in New Zealand

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life and dirty politics, UK and US citizens are settling in the faraway land of New Zealand. The activity has been even stronger after the UK exited European Union and Donald Trump became the US president in 2017.

Compared to 2016, 45 percent of Americans settling in New Zealand increased in 2017. 2,127 immigrants from the US were given permanent residency permit and long-term visas. Around 5,000 more US citizens arrived on student visas and temporary work permits. Compared to 2015, British citizens living in New Zealand increased by almost 50 percent taking the yearly total from 3,614 to 6,371 in 2017. Another 15,000 UK citizens entered the country on student visas and temporary work permits. Statistics New Zealand released the data on February 16, 2018, and concluded that these immigrants are attracted by New Zealand’s steady growth of three to four percent annually. 

New Zealand has consistently attracted over 25,000 Australians on student visas and temporary work permits. The next group with the highest number is the United Kingdom, followed by China, India, South Africa, the Philippines, and the US in the end. Rod Drury, chief executive officer, Xerox, said that every American venture capitalist he has met has a property or two in New Zealand. The investment has increased ever since the 9/11 terror attacks. Also, the two countries are making stricter immigration laws, which these people don’t agree with and instead, prefer changing countries.

Net immigration

Net immigration to New Zealand has decreased compared to 2016. In 2017, 70,016 migrated to New Zealand in 2017, lesser than 70,588 in 2016. The decrease is probably due to Canada’s Express Entry system, a direct path to Canadian permanent residency and lesser opportunities in New Zealand when compared to other developed countries. However, more and more people from developed countries are seeking a quieter life that New Zealand offers.