New Zealand Relaxes Visa Rules To Combat Labour Shortages, Indian Migrants May Be Impacted

Last Updated:January 05, 2025, 17:15 IST

The New Zealand government has relaxed various visa rules for immigrants seeking job opportunities in the country. Indians are likely to be impacted by the new changes.

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In a move to combat labour shortages in New Zealand, the government has taken several steps to simplify immigration pathways with adjustments to work experience criteria, wages, and visa durations.

The government has reduced the work experience criterion for immigrants from three two to years. This will help the migrants to seek employment more easily in the country. Indians are likely to benefit from the new rules, seeking jobs in the country.

Visa Rules Change In New Zealand

The country has introduced two new visa pathways to address seasonal labour demands in New Zealand: a three-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers and a seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled workers. These initiatives aim to effectively meet the needs of the seasonal workforce.

The government has also slashed the median pay criteria for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV).

Under the new rules, employers are required to advertise job opportunities and offer salaries in line with market rates for the role and location. However, they are no longer bound by a predetermined salary threshold. This change provides employers with greater flexibility while ensuring fair compensation for workers.

Salary Threshold For Migrants With Families

For those who aim to bring their children to New Zealand, the AEWV holders are mandatorily required to have at least NZ$55,844 annual earnings. The minimum threshold requirement, which has remained unchanged since 2019, has been raised aiming to ensure that the immigrant families can sustain the living costs in the country.

New Zealand has extended the visa period for jobs classified under skill levels 4 or 5 of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) from two years to three years. Current employees holding two-year visas in these roles can apply for a one-year extension, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Employers hiring for skill level 4 or 5 roles are no longer required to adhere to Work and Income’s 21-day mandated recruitment period. Instead, they must simply advertise the positions and interview suitable candidates to demonstrate genuine efforts to hire locally.

Impact On PSW?

Starting in April this year, migrants transitioning from a student visa or other work arrangements to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will be granted interim work rights.

In a move particularly beneficial to Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand, the government has revised the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) policy. The updated rules allow students to stay and work in the country for up to three years, depending on their qualifications. The changes ensure that students who complete a Master’s degree after a Postgraduate Diploma remain eligible for the Post Study Work Visa.

Wellington, New Zealand

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