New Zealand is set to implement stricter visa regulations for certain migrants, as the coalition government seeks to reform an immigration system it believes has resulted in “unsustainable” levels of migration.
The country’s Immigration Minister Erica Stanford unveiled modifications to the accredited employer-worker visa (AEWV) on April 7. AEWV is the primary temporary work visa initiated in mid-2022 to address workforce shortages post-pandemic.
“The government is focused on attracting and retaining the highly skilled migrants such as secondary teachers, where there is a skill shortage,” Stanford said in a statement. “At the same time we need to ensure that New Zealanders are put to the front of the line for jobs where there are no skills shortages.”
The new regulations will incorporate English-language proficiency requirements for low-skilled positions and establish a minimum skills and work experience criterion for most employer work visas. Furthermore, the maximum continuous stay for most low-skilled jobs will be shortened from five years to three years.
New Zealand, with a population of approximately 5.1 million, has experienced a significant surge in migrant numbers post-pandemic, leading to concerns of potential inflation. According to Stats New Zealand witnessed an annual net migration of over 173,000 non-New Zealand citizens in 2023.
In addition to addressing migration levels, Stanford highlighted the reforms’ role in reducing migrants’ vulnerability to exploitation.
The Public Service Commission’s review of the AEWV scheme in February, initiated by former Immigration Minister Andrew Little following exploitation complaints, revealed that a few “unscrupulous employers” exploited the system, accepting payments from individuals seeking to relocate to New Zealand.
“By having an English-language requirement migrants will be better able to understand their rights or raise concerns about an employer early,” Stanford commented.
Furthermore, the government has decided against adding 11 new professions to the Green List – a compilation of highly skilled roles that New Zealand struggles to fill – including welders and fitters and turners.
Meanwhile, neighboring Australia, also grappling with a surge in migration, has announced plans to reduce its migrant intake by half over the next two years.
Key stats on New Zealand migration
- Annual Net Migration (December 2023)
- Total: 126,000 (largest for a calendar year)
- Compared to previous record (October 2023): 134,400
- Comparable to the population of Taranaki region.
- Composition of Annual Net Migration (2023)
- Net gain of non-New Zealand citizens: 173,000
- Net loss of New Zealand citizens: 47,000
- Daily average net migration:
- Non-New Zealand citizens: 474
- New Zealand citizens: 129
- Changes in Migration Factors:
- Influenced by economic and labor market conditions.
- Affected by immigration policies in New Zealand and other nations.
- Top Countries Driving Net Migration (2023)
- Mainly citizens from India, Philippines, China, Fiji, and South Africa.
- A significant increase following the relaxation of COVID-19 border restrictions from early 2022.
- Record Net Loss of New Zealand Citizens (2023):
- Annual net migration loss: 47,000 (highest recorded).
- Historical averages:
- 2002-2013: 26,600 per year
- 2014-2019: 4,000 per year
- 53% of departures were to Australia.
- Migration Driven by Young Adults (2023):**
- Age group 18-44: 66% (150,100) of non-New Zealand migrant arrivals.
- Age group 18-30: 39% (29,300) of New Zealand citizen departures.