New Zealand has become the latest European country to tighten work visa rules for migrants.
Business Standard reports that last Sunday, in response to a near-record 2023 migration, the country announced immediate revisions to its employment visa programmes.
The government aims to introduce several measures, such as English language requirements for low-skilled jobs and a minimum skills and work experience threshold for most employer work visas.
The maximum stay for most low-skilled workers will also be limited to three years, a change from the previous five years.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said, “The Government is focused on attracting and retaining the highly skilled migrants such as secondary teachers, where there is a skill shortage.”
In 2023, the country recorded 173,000 migrants, pushing its population over the 5.1 million mark.
Individuals holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa will face changes affecting their stay duration and eligibility. Those in levels 4 and 5 jobs who have applied for their AEWV before June 21, 2023, and currently hold a three-year AEWV will no longer be eligible for a five-year minimum stay.
However, the changes will not affect those on a pathway to residence. Starting April 7, individuals for a new AEWV must meet new criteria that might affect their ability to work in New Zealand for up to five years.
The following are the new requirements for AEWV applications: English proficiency requirements, shorter allowable stay, 3 years of relevant work experience, qualifications below Bachelor’s degree level, and an International Qualifications assessment
