A law expert believes the legal wording is stopping prostitution from counting as points towards immigration.

Immigration New Zealand has confirmed sex work is on the skilled employment list, despite it not being on the skill-shortage list.

But Queen City Law senior solicitor Bradley So says told Kate Hawkesby there's an exception written into the Prostitution Reform Act.

"It specifically says that no visa may be granted under the immigration act 2009 to a person on the basis that they intend to or have provided commercial sexual services."

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH KATE HAWKESBY ABOVE