New Zealand’s huge visa crackdown after ‘unsustainable’ influx

New Zealand has tightened its visa regulations in the face of “unsustainable” net migration levels in an effort to further protect jobs for its citizens.

New Zealand has tightened its visa regulations in the face of “unsustainable” net migration levels in an effort to further protect jobs for its citizens.

The nation of 5.1 million has made immediate changes to is Accredited Employer Worker Visa, introducing new language and skill criteria for potential migrants and shortening the duration of work permits.

Minister of Immigration Erica Stanford announced the changes on Monday, emphasising the need to prioritise New Zealanders for employment, particularly in sectors where skill shortages do not exist.

This comes in the wake of 173,000 non-New Zealand citizens migrating to the country in 2023.

The nation of 5.1 million has made immediate changes to is Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV), introducing new language and skill criteria for potential migrants and shortening the duration of work permits.

The government insists on prioritising employment for New Zealanders in fields without shortages.

Key modifications to the AEWV scheme include the introduction of a minimum English language proficiency requirement, a new minimum skill requirement that can be met through relevant work experience or qualifications, and a reduction in the maximum continuous duration of an AEWV from previously longer periods to now just three years.

New Zealand is a top destination for many travellers, with some opting to stay and work there, too. Picture: iStock

Employers are mandated to ensure that migrants meet these new requirements before hiring. This includes declaring that no suitable and available New Zealand citizen applied for the position and justifying why any local applicants were not selected.

Additionally, employers are required to advertise job vacancies for a minimum of 21 days to give New Zealanders ample opportunity to apply.

Certain job roles, particularly in the transport and care sectors, will be exempt from some of these new requirements, acknowledging the unique demands and shortages in these areas.

The change comes after Australia implemented changes in 2023 for New Zealanders moving across the ditch to Australia.

Under the new legislation, all Special Category Visa holders will be able to directly apply for citizenship without becoming permanent residents first – provided they meet four-year residence and other eligibility requirements.

The change comes after Australia implemented changes in 2023 for New Zealanders moving across the ditch to Australia.

The changes will bring Australia’s treatment of New Zealanders in line with New Zealand’s treatment of Australians.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the change would further strengthen the long friendship between the two countries.

“Australia and New Zealand have a deep friendship, which has been forged through our history, shared values, and common outlook,” he said.

“As we mark the 50th anniversary of the trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, I look forward to strengthening our relationship.

“We know that many New Zealanders are here on a Special Category Visa while raising families, working and building their lives in Australia. So I am proud to offer the benefits that citizenship provides.”