New Zealand eases Visa rules to address labour shortages: Impact on Indian migrants

In a bid to tackle ongoing labour shortages, New Zealand has introduced major updates to its visa and employment regulations. The changes are designed to make it easier for both employers and employees to navigate the immigration system, particularly for skilled workers. This shift is likely to benefit Indian migrants looking to work in New Zealand.

One of the key changes is the reduction of the work experience requirement for migrants, which has been lowered from three years to two. This adjustment makes it easier for skilled workers to meet the criteria for employment, while still ensuring that their qualifications match the job requirements.

Additionally, New Zealand has introduced two new visa pathways for seasonal workers. A three-year multi-entry visa will be available for experienced seasonal workers, while a seven-month single-entry visa will cater to lower-skilled workers. These changes are aimed at addressing seasonal labour demands across various industries.

The government has also removed the median pay requirement for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV). While employers are still required to offer job opportunities and salaries based on market rates for specific roles and locations, they are no longer obligated to meet a set salary threshold. This change gives employers more flexibility while ensuring fair pay for workers.

For migrants bringing children with them, AEWV holders must now earn a minimum of NZ$55,844 annually, a threshold that has remained unchanged since 2019. This is intended to ensure that migrant families can financially support themselves while living in New Zealand.

In another significant update, the government has extended the visa period for certain jobs within the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) skill levels 4 and 5 from two to three years. Workers already on two-year visas who meet the requirements will be eligible for a one-year extension.

Employers will no longer have to adhere to the 21-day recruitment period mandated by Work and Income for skill level 4 or 5 jobs. Instead, they need to show that they’ve advertised positions and made an effort to interview qualified local candidates.

Additionally, the government has reduced the domestic workforce requirement for some roles in the construction industry from 35% to 15%, helping companies fill vacancies more easily.

From April 2025, migrants wishing to transition from a student visa or another work visa to the AEWV will be granted interim work rights.

In a move to support Indian students in New Zealand, the government has also modified the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV). Now, international students who complete a Master's degree following a Postgraduate Diploma will remain eligible for the visa, allowing them to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years based on their qualifications.

These updates to New Zealand's immigration policies aim to streamline the process for skilled workers, including Indian migrants, and help alleviate the country's labour shortages.