On Sunday, New Zealand announced immediate adjustments to its employment visa program following nearly record-breaking migration last year, deeming it “unsustainable.”
The modifications encompass various measures, such as implementing an English language prerequisite for low-skilled positions and establishing minimum skill and work experience criteria for the majority of employer work visas.
Additionally, the maximum continuous stay for most low-skilled roles will be reduced from five years to three years.
“In a statement, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the government’s concentration on attracting and retaining highly skilled migrants, particularly in fields such as secondary teaching, where there is a notable shortage of skilled professionals.”
“Simultaneously, she underscored the importance of prioritizing New Zealanders for employment opportunities in sectors where there are no shortages of skilled workers.”
According to the statement, New Zealand experienced a near-record influx of migrants last year, with approximately 173,000 individuals relocating to the country.
With a population of around 5.1 million, New Zealand has witnessed a swift rise in migrant numbers following the conclusion of the pandemic, prompting concerns in the previous year that this surge could exacerbate inflationary pressures.
Similarly, neighbouring Australia, which has also observed a significant increase in migrant arrivals, has announced plans to reduce its migrant intake by half over the next two years.
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