Is Muslim immigration encouraged in NZ?

[sham_visa]

Despite the applicant is strongly eligible as SMC,
Does NZ immigration has a check over being from muslim background?

[farfaraway]

Can you clarify at what stage are you in your SMC application?

[JandM]

There is no mention of a person's belief system in all the INZ regulations. New Zealand has a multi-cultural society, particularly in the larger centres of population, and there are already many Muslims living there, as well as members of many other religions, or none.

[gnetizenz]

Completely agree with JandM!

[Hagabel]

Muslim immigration would not be encouraged any more than any other immigration ethnic or religious group. Meaning that NZ is not bothered what religion you are, rather what your employment prospects are, how your police background check turns out, and to make sure you are healthy.

[Balsam]

But in NSC form they do ask about religion..any explanation for that !!!!

[JandM]

As you know, we on this forum are not part of INZ or the NZ government, so this answer is only my guess.

The NSC form is sent to people who originate from or who have lived in countries where there has been known to be civil unrest, or where terrorists have been based. The intention is to try to ensure that no NZ visa is issued to anyone who has been responsible in any way for repression or terrorism. I imagine that an answer to the question about religion is to help the NZ government to see how the applicant may have fitted into the society of that other country, since, unfortunately, there is an involvement of organized religious extremism in many countries which have seen outbreaks of violence, etc..

[Balsam]

Thanks JandM..I guess so..

[Tcam478]

Hi Balsam
Census records ask if you're affiliated with any religion just so they have records of how many people identify with one. There's no other motiviation, other than record keeping. Asking about your religious affiliations could just be so Immigration NZ can keep more thorough records on the people coming into NZ.
Immigration NZ would would get in so much trouble if journalists found out they were denying people into our country based on their religion.

[Balsam]

Thanks Tcam478 for your clarification.