New Zealand Tightens Visa Rules; May Affect Indian Job Seekers

New Zealand Visa Rules: The revisions are expected to impact Indians seeking employment in New Zealand, a demographic that has seen a steady increase in recent years

New Zealand, in a move mirroring Australia and Canada, has unveiled stricter visa regulations aimed at curbing immigration numbers and bolstering job opportunities for locals. The announcement, made by New Zealand's Immigration minister Erica Stanford, signifies a key shift in the country's immigration landscape.

The new rules, targeting mainly the Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV), a key temporary work permit introduced in 2022 during the pandemic, impose stringent criteria on prospective immigrants. Notably, English proficiency, work experience, and skill requirements have been heightened. Additionally, the maximum duration of stay on work permits has been reduced from five to three years.

The revisions are expected to impact Indians seeking employment in New Zealand, a demographic that has seen a steady increase in recent years. According to the 2018 New Zealand census, Indians comprised about 4.7 per cent of the population.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported around 250,000 individuals of Indian origin or NRIs settled in New Zealand, with approximately 18,000 Indian migrants arriving since 2011, as per data from ENZ.org, a New Zealand government affiliate.

Minister Stanford said that the reforms aim to address concerns regarding the exploitation of migrants by certain employers, who misuse the AEWV scheme for personal gain. By enforcing English-language proficiency requirements, the government aims to empower migrants to understand and assert their rights more effectively.

Furthermore, the move seeks to prioritise the employment of New Zealanders by encouraging employers to thoroughly explore local talent before turning to migrant workers. This initiative aligns with efforts to retain citizens, as evidenced by the loss of 47,000 residents seeking better job prospects abroad in 2023.

While the government defends the changes as a means to safeguard migrant rights and boost local employment, critics question their efficacy and potential consequences on New Zealand's labour market and international reputation.