Wellington: The New Zealand government has made major changes to its immigration and employment laws in an effort to address the country’s ongoing labor shortages. These reforms, which include modifications to work experience requirements, wage levels, and visa durations, are intended to streamline the process for both companies and individuals.
Key Changes:
Decreased Need for Work Experience: In order to facilitate employment prospects for qualified individuals in New Zealand, the minimum work experience requirement for migrants has been lowered from three years to two years. It is anticipated that this shift will benefit Indian immigrants looking for work in the nation.
In response to the need for seasonal labor, two new visa options have been established: a seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled workers and a three-year multi-entry visa for experienced seasonal workers.
Elimination of Median wage Requirements for Work Visas: The government has removed the median wage requirements for the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) and Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Employers are no longer constrained by a set salary threshold, giving firms more flexibility even though they are still required to post job openings and pay market-competitive wages.
Increased Earnings Barrier for Dependent Migrants: In order to guarantee that migrant families can sustain themselves in New Zealand, holders of AEWV who want to bring their kids must now make at least NZ$55,844 per year.
Extended Visa term for Lower-Skilled Roles: ANZSCO(Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) skill levels 4 and 5 now have a three-year visa term instead of the previous two-year limit. A one-year extension is available to qualified workers with valid two-year visas.
Employers no longer have to follow a 21-day mandatory recruitment period when hiring for skill level 4 or 5 positions, which simplifies the recruitment process. To show that they are genuinely trying to hire locally, they now only need to post job openings and conduct interviews with qualified applicants.
The government has relaxed the domestic workforce criterion for some positions from 35% to 15% in order to alleviate labor shortages in the construction industry. This has made it simpler for businesses operating in this sector to fill open positions.
Simplified Employer Responsibilities: As of January 2025, accredited employers will no longer be obliged to finish Employment New Zealand’s online training courses. Instead, easily accessible resources on job rights and duties will be provided by Immigration New Zealand.
AEWV Applicants’ Interim Work Rights: Beginning in April 2025, migrants moving from student visas or other work arrangements to the AEWV will be given the opportunity to continue working while they await final visa approval.
International Students’ Enhanced Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV): The government has changed the PSWV policy in a way that will help Indian students who are studying in New Zealand. The revised regulations guarantee that students who earn a Master’s degree following a Postgraduate Diploma continue to be eligible for the PSWV, allowing them to live and work in the nation for a maximum of three years, contingent on their qualifications.
In order to support New Zealand’s labor demands and economic growth, these reforms seek to make the immigration system more efficient and advantageous for both companies and workers.
