New Delhi: New Zealand has introduced major changes to its visa and employment policies in response to ongoing labour market shortages. Thereforms aim to make easy immigration processes and create more accessible pathways for both migrants and employers.
To address the labour shortfall, the government has reduced the work experience requirement for migrants from three to two years, making it easier for skilled workers to meet job criteria. The adjustment is expected to particularly benefit Indian workers seeking employment opportunities in New Zealand, NDTV reported.
That apart, two new visa options have been introduced for seasonal workers: a three-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers and a seven-month single-entry visa for those in lower-skilled roles. The initiatives are designed to meet the seasonal labour demand.
Salary cap for work visas removed
In another major change, the median salary requirement for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) has been abolished. Employers must still advertise job vacancies and offer salaries in line with market rates, but they are no longer required to meet a fixed salary threshold. It gives employers more flexibility while ensuring fair wages for workers.
For migrants bringing their children, AEWV holders must now earn at least NZ$55,844 annually, a figure unchanged since 2019, to ensure financial stability for families. Furthermore, the visa duration for jobs classified under skill levels 4 or 5 in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) has been extended from two to three years. Employees already on a two-year visa may apply for a one-year extension.
Hiring rules eased
The new rules also ease hiring processes for employers in some industries. For example, construction companies now face a reduced domestic workforce requirement from 35 per cent to 15 per cent, helping them address labour shortages. Employers no longer need to complete online training modules but can access resources on employment rights provided by Immigration New Zealand.
Starting in April 2025, migrants transitioning from student visas or other work visas to AEWV will gain interim work rights. Other than that, the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) has been change to allow Indian students with higher qualifications to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years.
