New Zealand, observing high levels of unsustainable net migration, strengthened its visa rules by implementing additional requirements such as skills and language proficiency and reducing the duration of work permits for international citizens.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced on Sunday that changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, the primary temporary work visa that was introduced in mid-2022 to address workforce shortages following the pandemic, would take effect immediately to enhance testing of the local labor market and minimize the risk of displacing New Zealand workers.
NZ's Migration Reaching Near-Record High
Stats NZ reported that last year, annual net migration to New Zealand reached a near-record high, with over 173,000 non-New Zealand citizens arriving in the year up to December.
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The government's modifications to the scheme involve implementing English-language prerequisites for low-skilled positions, establishing a minimum skill level and work experience threshold for most employer-sponsored visas, and decreasing the maximum duration of continuous stay for most low-skilled positions from five to three years. In most work visas, applicants must demonstrate work experience and possess specific skills, and employers must verify candidates' qualifications before extending job offers.
In a statement, Stanford emphasized the government's focus on attracting and retaining highly skilled migrants, particularly in professions such as secondary teaching, where there is a talent shortage. Simultaneously, she underscored the importance of prioritizing New Zealanders for roles where skill shortages are not an issue.
The New Zealand government aims to establish a smarter immigration system to effectively manage net migration as part of a broader plan to adapt to economic changes, attract skilled individuals, enhance international education, ensure sustainability, and mitigate risks.
Post-Pandemic Surge in Migrant Workers
With a population of approximately 5.1 million, New Zealand has experienced a surge in migrant numbers post-pandemic, sparking concerns about inflation. A recent report commissioned by the Reserve Bank explored potential connections between migration and inflation but yielded inconclusive results.
Stanford emphasized that the modifications aim to decrease migrants' vulnerability to exploitation.
In February, the Public Service Commission published its assessment of the AEWV scheme, initiated by former immigration minister Andrew Little in response to exploitation complaints. The review revealed that a few unscrupulous employers exploited the scheme, accepting payments from individuals seeking to relocate to New Zealand.
Stanford emphasized that implementing an English-language requirement would empower migrants to comprehend their rights and promptly address any concerns about an employer.
The government decided against adding 11 new roles to the Green List, including highly skilled positions such as welders, fitters, and turners, which New Zealand struggles to fill. Requiring new AEWVs for employers entails ensuring that migrants are engaged in employment for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
Australia, which has experienced a significant surge in migration, also announced plans to reduce its migrant intake by half over the next two years.
