In response to a surge in migration numbers deemed “unsustainable,” New Zealand has announced immediate changes to its employment visa program, aiming to prioritize highly skilled migrants and address skill shortages.
The adjustments include implementing English language requirements for low-skilled positions and establishing minimum skills and work experience criteria for most employer work visas. Additionally, the maximum continuous stay for most low-skilled roles will be reduced from five years to three years.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the government’s focus on attracting and retaining highly skilled migrants, particularly in professions facing shortages such as secondary teaching. However, she also stressed the importance of prioritizing New Zealanders for jobs where skills shortages are absent.
Last year witnessed nearly 173,000 people migrating to New Zealand, marking a near-record influx. This substantial increase in migration, coupled with rapid post-pandemic growth, has raised concerns about inflation and the sustainability of such migration levels.
With a population of approximately 5.1 million, New Zealand’s response echoes similar measures taken by neighboring Australia, which intends to halve its migrant intake over the next two years in light of escalating migration numbers.
The tightening of visa rules in New Zealand reflects a broader effort to balance economic growth with workforce needs and domestic job opportunities, signaling a strategic approach towards managing migration in the post-pandemic era.
Sources By Agencies
