New Zealand has implemented significant changes to its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme in response to a near-record surge in migration last year. The government deems this rapid influx unsustainable and aims to prioritise both New Zealand citizens and highly skilled migrants.
The revised programme introduces stricter requirements for low-skilled job seekers. Applicants must now demonstrate English language proficiency and meet minimum skills and work experience thresholds. Additionally, the maximum continuous stay for most low-skilled roles has been reduced from five to three years.
“The Government is focused on attracting and retaining the highly skilled migrants such as secondary teachers, where there is a skill shortage,” said Immigration Minister Erica Stanford. “At the same time, we need to ensure that New Zealanders are put first for jobs where there are no skills shortages,” she added.
These changes come in the wake of near-record migration figures in 2023, with nearly 173,000 individuals settling in New Zealand. This rapid influx has raised concerns about its impact on inflation and core infrastructure, such as schools and housing.
Stanford emphasised the need for a balanced approach. “It is important that the AEWV settings facilitate the right mix of skilled temporary migrants to address genuine skill and labour shortages, support economic recovery, and manage pressures on infrastructure,” she stated.
Neighbouring Australia has also witnessed a substantial rise in migration and has announced plans to halve its intake over the next two years. New Zealand’s revised immigration program reflects a similar intent to prioritize its domestic workforce while strategically attracting talent to address critical skill shortages.
By implementing stricter requirements for low-skilled roles and prioritising high-demand skillsets, New Zealand aims to achieve a more sustainable and targeted migration strategy.
