'New Zealand has to address crime to continue being an attractive destination'

Auckland, June 26(ANI): New Zealand Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman has admitted that the issue of crime has to be addressed for the country to continue to be an attractive tourist and study destination.

"The reality, as we all know, is that New Zealand is not a place where crime is completely absent," The New Zealand Herald quoted Coleman, as saying.

"I think we have got to continue to work on all these elements to make sure that we can continue to be an attractive destination," he added.

Coleman's comments come after the Chinese Government issued an advisory warning its nationals about rising crime and theft in Auckland.

He further said that new policies would be implemented to continue the education industry's growth.

The policies would include a relaxation of pastoral care and guardianship requirements, changes to short-term study entitlements and improving work rights for international students.

The minister also said that visa policy was being reviewed to ensure that students don't use it as a medium to obtain residency.We are interested in not only the quantity of students, but also the quality of students coming here," Coleman said.

China remains New Zealand's biggest education market, with 20,780 students last year, followed by 15,905 South Koreas, 9697 Japanese and 8673 Indians. (ANI)