New Zealand Work Visa Requirements Tightened in 2024

Key Changes to New Zealand Visa Regulations

1. Introduction of English language requirements for ones applying for low-skilled jobs at levels 4 and 5.

2. Introduction of a minimum skills and work requirement.

3. Maximum stay for work roles will be reduced from 5 years to 3 years.

4. Employers in NZ looking to hire levels 4 and 5 workers need to engage with Work and Income before application approvals.

5. Businesses now need to follow high-volume or triangular employment accreditation to hire labour from overseas.

In recent New Zealand visa news, the country in Oceania has tightened its visa regulations. The regulations are due to an “unsustainable net migration” crisis that the country has seen culminate for the past few years. New Zealand visa regulations will now introduce additional criteria, such as skills and language requirements. Additionally, international work permit lengths will also be shortened.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, in lieu of the country facing an immigration crisis and migrant exploitation, has stated major changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

“Getting our immigration settings right is critical to this Government’s plan to rebuild the economy," Stanford said. 

These changes are set to be implemented immediately for “better testing the local labor market and reducing the risks of putting New Zealanders out of work.” added Stanford in the recent New Zealand visa news.

“The Government is focused on attracting and retaining the highly skilled migrants such as secondary teachers, where there is a skill shortage,” emphasising that the country’s visa outlook will focus more towards labour shortages in the country.

To put things into perspective about 173,000 non-New Zealanders immigrated to the country in 2023, nearing a record all-time high. The country of 5.3 million people is now facing housing crunches due to heightened immigration.

The modified New Zealand work visa requirements will aim to minimise the displacement of existing NZ workers. However, Stanford emphasises that the changes are a novel method of helping the number of immigrants return to pre-pandemic norms.

“These changes are the start of a more comprehensive work programme to create a smarter immigration system that manages net migration.” the statement by the New Zealand government said.

The government has disbanded its plans to add 11 new roles to the Green List, including welders and fitters as part of New Zealand work visa requirements. The Work to Residence pathway for bus and truck drivers coming from overseas has now been shelved for new applicants.

TL;DR

New Zealand visa regulations have been tightened to address unsustainable migration levels. Changes include English language and skill requirements, shorter work permit durations, and employer engagement with Work and Income. The aim is to prioritise skilled migration and protect the local job market. The government emphasises the need for a smarter immigration system to manage migration levels and economic needs. Plans for adding new roles to the Green List were scrapped.

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