Will they stay or will they go? Issues and options for Chinese skilled migrants in New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand is a migrant country which heavily relies on migrants to support its population and economic growth. Business/skilled migrants make the majority while Chinese migrants are the largest migrant group in New Zealand. However, there is a phenomenon of Chinese skilled migrant loss, which brings about a negative impact on the New Zealand labour market due to the skilled labour loss. The main topic of this study is to find the causes behind this problem, which refers to why Chinese people migrate to New Zealand and why they eventually leave. The finding show that some Chinese skilled migrants cannot find work that fits their abilities in New Zealand, which makes them leave and seek other places that offer higher income opportunities. The second main reason why they leave is the need to take care of their elderly parents in China.