New Zealand immigration reduced health checks for foreign students

Immigration New Zealand announced on 2 April that health checks for international students immigrating to study in New Zealand will be relaxed later this year.

Immigration Minister Nathan Guy stated the changes would take effect from July 2012. The changes include foreign students no longer needing to provide full medical assessments; Also health screening of partners or dependent children will be limited to serious conditions.

"International education is worth NZ$2.3 billion (£1.2 billion) to the economy a year and indirectly supports around 32,000 jobs," said Guy.

International students would also only need to be screened for tuberculosis upon entering the country under the system. Guy says these changes will reduce the cost and "hassle" for about 62,800 students and save approximately NZ$17 million (£8.7 million) a year in medical costs.

"These changes show that the government is serious about tackling red tape and attracting migrants who can make a contribution to New Zealand. At the same time, we are making sure that applicants have an acceptable standard of health," said Guy.

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