Peters accuses government of targeting Indian citizens
New Zealand Foreign Minister and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has criticised the National Party-led government over reported changes to immigration settings linked to the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He claimed the new policy would impose stricter entry norms on Indian citizens compared to nationals from other FTA partner countries.
In a post on X on Thursday, Peters alleged that the government made an "abrupt change of course" by introducing immigration changes that "target Indians and Indians alone." He stated, "For six months, we have been warning that the India-New Zealand FTA would, under current policy settings, mean open slather immigration from India to New Zealand."
Official warnings and potential retaliation
Peters claimed officials had raised concerns that the changes could affect New Zealand's bilateral relationship with India and its reputation as a place to do business. He said, "Officials have warned Ministers that these changes could have impacts on our bilateral relationship with India and our reputation as a place to do business, and be open to legal challenge or retaliation from India." He also noted evidence of officials discussing the importance of not publicly announcing the changes for fear of the Indian reaction.
Specific discriminatory measures
Peters alleged that the changes approved by New Zealand's Immigration Minister include imposing a labour market and economic needs test for Indian citizens that does not apply to citizens of other relevant FTA partners. Additionally, Indian citizens would be restricted from applying for temporary employment entry visas from within New Zealand and would face different treatment regarding partners and children.
He further claimed that Indian citizens would face restrictions in counting work experience gained on temporary employment entry visas towards residency requirements, unlike citizens of some other FTA partner countries, such as China, Thailand, and South Korea.
Call for transparency and equitable treatment
Peters stated that the Indian government has the right to know about New Zealand's intention to treat Indian citizens in a discriminatory manner relative to citizens of other FTA partners. He urged Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the Trade Minister, and the Immigration Minister to clarify the matter publicly before the FTA legislation is passed, warning of possible trade retaliation, legal action, and reputational damage.
"There must be equitable treatment for citizens of all countries coming into New Zealand under our various FTAs. Discriminatory treatment is not the New Zealand way," Peters said.
Background of the NZ-India FTA
The remarks come months after India and New Zealand signed the India-New Zealand FTA at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi in April. The agreement was formally signed by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay. As part of the agreement, New Zealand has committed to investing approximately USD 20 billion in India over the next 15 years.
