In a move aimed at addressing ongoing labour shortages and streamlining immigration processes, the New Zealand government has unveiled significant changes to its visa and employment policies. These updates are designed to create more accessible pathways for employers and skilled workers by adjusting wage thresholds, work experience requirements, and visa durations. The first phase of changes is set to roll out in July 2025, focusing on easing processes for low-risk employers and expediting application approvals.
Key Changes to Immigration Policies
For Employers and Businesses
One of the major updates is the elimination of the median wage criteria for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV). Employers will still be required to advertise job vacancies and offer competitive salaries aligned with market standards, but they will no longer need to meet a fixed salary threshold. This change offers businesses greater flexibility while ensuring workers are fairly compensated.
For Migrants and Families
Migrants holding AEWVs who wish to bring their children to New Zealand must meet an annual earnings threshold of NZ$55,844 (Rs 27.1 lakh). This requirement, unchanged since 2019, aims to ensure financial stability for migrant families living in the country.
For Job Seekers
To attract more skilled workers, the minimum required work experience for visa applicants has been reduced from three years to two years. This adjustment is expected to increase the number of qualified workers able to fill critical job vacancies across various sectors.
Highlighting the impact on international students, Mayank Maheshwari, Co-Founder & COO of University Living, stated:
“With more than 10,000 Indian students already enrolled in New Zealand institutions as of August 2024, the reduction in work experience requirements and the introduction of new visa options will greatly ease their transition from education to employment. The opportunity to work for up to three years post-graduation significantly boosts career prospects for graduates, particularly in industries facing acute labour shortages.”
New Pathways for Seasonal Workers
To better support seasonal labour needs, New Zealand is introducing two new visa pathways:
A three-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers.
A seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled seasonal workers.
Additionally, the visa duration for lower-skilled roles classified under ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 has been extended from two years to three years. Workers on current two-year visas may apply for an additional year, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Employers hiring for lower-skilled positions will benefit from a simplified recruitment process, with the 21-day mandatory recruitment period replaced by a requirement to advertise roles and interview qualified candidates.
Starting in April 2025, workers transitioning to AEWVs from other visa types will receive interim work rights, allowing them to work legally while awaiting visa approvals.
Support for Employers and the Construction Industry
From January 2025, accredited employers will no longer be required to complete online training modules from Employment New Zealand. Instead, they will have access to readily available resources on employment rights and responsibilities.
In response to labour shortages in the construction sector, the government has reduced the domestic workforce requirement from 35% to 15% for certain roles. This move simplifies the hiring process and helps companies quickly fill urgent vacancies.
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