CONCLUSIONS

From 1998 to 2007, youth became an increasingly important source of migrants to New Zealand, particularly 18- to 24-year-olds, through the skilled residence and temporary work permit categories. Data from the 1996, 2001, and 2006 Censuses of Population and Dwellings (censuses) shows an increasing proportion of New Zealand's youth was born overseas.

The migrant youth population in 2006 stood out from populations recorded in previous censuses, with better English language ability, higher labour force participation, and higher qualifications. Migrant youth also had better English language ability and higher qualifications compared with all migrants.

Immigration policy changes over the years, such as the introduction of the Skilled Migrant Category to actively select skilled migrants, may have contributed to the increased skill levels among migrant youth. The large number of migrant youth in New Zealand as students and temporary workers is a valuable source of future residents, and an increasing number of migrants make the transition from temporary permits to residence.^[66]

New Zealand's success in attracting young skilled migrants who are likely to settle well and contribute to New Zealand's labour market is a positive sign in a globally competitive market.

The analysis underpinning this report touched on areas that would benefit from more detailed research or consideration. The labour force participation patterns of migrant youth have changed in recent years, with such youth having an increased tendency to combine study and part-time employment. Other research has noted an increase in all New Zealand youth who are both employed and studying.^[67] It would be useful to explore the reasons for this; for example, has part-time employment become a necessity to meet the costs of education and living or is it a reflection of increasingly skilled migrants who find employment more easily? Also, what impact does part-time employment have on effective study participation? The trend for migrant youth unemployment to increase slightly with length of time in New Zealand needs to be explored, as it may reflect difficulties migrant youth experience when trying to transition to the workforce. How migrant and refugee youth transition from study to employment is also poorly understood.^[68]

From 1998 to 2007, China was the largest source country of youth residence and student approvals (although the number of students from China is decreasing). An increasing number of youth work permit approvals are from China. A larger proportion of migrant youth than all migrants are from China. North Asian youth (most of whom are Chinese) differed from other migrants in some respects. For example, North Asian youth were more likely than other migrant youth to be living in New Zealand without their family and they tended to arrive at an older age than other migrants. This analysis presents some evidence for the impact of age of arrival on settlement outcomes. The large proportion of migrant youth who are from China and their unique characteristics means this population deserves special attention, for example, when planning settlement assistance initiatives for young migrants.

While refugees comprise a small proportion of migrants to New Zealand, it is of note that a substantial proportion of refugees are aged 12 to 24 years. Young refugees can be a particularly vulnerable group, especially if they are faced with adjusting to their new lives as well as helping their parents. Future research could assist with further understanding the specific needs of these individuals and the services and strategies best targeted to this group. The very large proportion of female youth among Partnership work and residence approvals is of note. Given the proportion of females is larger among youth than all migrants in the Partnership categories, it would be useful to understand the reasons for this.

The analysis has provided some evidence of the impact of migrants' age of arrival on English language ability and the number of ethnic groups identified with. For example, English language ability was higher among those who arrived at a younger age - a finding other research supports.^[69] Interest is increasing in the impact of age of arrival, including the '1.5 generation', which is a topic that deserves further exploration.

The findings in this report show an increasingly skilled migrant youth population. The migrant youth population is unique from other migrants in several respects. To assist young migrants to settle effectively and contribute to New Zealand, it is important that migrant youth characteristics are well understood. This understanding will be useful in many areas, such as informing targeted settlement assistance. Many findings from this analysis could be more fully understood through focused research that uses the data in this report as a base.

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