Immigration Minister Paul Swain has released the terms of reference for review of the 18-year-old Immigration Act.

Mr Swain said a fundamental review of the Act was needed to make it more relevant to New Zealand’s needs and the international environment.

“More people are travelling than ever before, tourism is increasingly important for New Zealand and there is growing demand for skills and labour,” Mr Swain said.

“But just as important, given increasing security concerns following September 11, is New Zealand’s right to keep out the people we don’t want and remove those who shouldn’t be here.

“This is about balance. We want firm, fast and fair immigration processes that protect New Zealand’s interests while also recognising that we want and need visitors and immigrants.”

Mr Swain said it had become increasingly clear the Act needed an overhaul to achieve these goals. Work will be divided into seven broad areas: Purpose and principles of immigration legislation Entry to New Zealand and migrant obligations Grant of protection in New Zealand (such as refugees) Enforcement Expulsion Review and appeal Inter-related issues (such as levels of decision making).

Mr Swain said the government started considering what changes needed to be made late last year. It is expected law changes resulting from the review will be introduced into Parliament within two years.

Mr Swain said the review was part of a wider push from the government to attract skilled migrants, improve border security and regulate immigration agents.

“Taken together, all these measures show that the government is serious about making sure our immigration system works in New Zealand’s interests.”

Winston Peters, leader of New Zealand First said, “We know the Government is only making this knee jerk announcement because New Zealand First will be releasing policy on Friday which provides solutions they cannot stomach - including a dedicated immigration hit squad aimed at rooting out immigrant crime and fraud.

“Recently we handed details of a case to the Prime Minister of a 16 person family whose documentation is riddled with fraud and her response has been to do nothing except become involved in media manipulation with the New Zealand Herald.

“No immigration officer has been to see the family and no investigation has taken place. Her neglect is tantamount to a betrayal of the worst kind.

“The public are tired of these diversionary tactics of sending every issue for a review. They want action and they want it now.”

Mr Peters said the government has signalled to the world’s terrorist and rogue regimes that they have a two-year amnesty to get their henchmen here.

Metiria Turei for the Greens said the review is an opportunity for establishing New Zealand’s international humanitarian credentials and rejecting the xenophobia of NZ First.

“It is critical that this review is in no way a response to Winston Peters’ radical views on who should and shouldn’t be let into New Zealand,” said Mrs Turei.

“Hopefully this will lead to a reasoned approach based on principle and the real security of New Zealand. The first task of Mr Swain’s review should therefore be to identify whether or not we are meeting our international humanitarian obligations and suggesting necessary changes where we fall short.”