The Immigration Service has achieved its targets for the 2004/05 financial year.

48,815 people were granted residency.

Of these 29,826 were Skilled / Business migrants.

Immigration Minister Paul Swain said, “Through the SMC, we are attracting quality migrants including teachers, nurses, tradespeople and IT professionals. What’s more, 87 percent of people under this category had a skilled job or job offer at the time they were granted residence.

“Around 60 percent of jobs were outside Auckland, meaning all of New Zealand benefits from immigration.”

Next year’s target is again between 45,000 and 50,000.