Recently, the New Zealand Government announced many changes to its immigration laws and workforce policies. If you plan to live, work or study in New Zealand, this news is for you. In the following new immigration laws, we will learn more about New Zealand’s immigration requirements, laws and policies. New Zealand’s government has significantly changed its immigration and workforce policies. The changes include the addition of 17 new roles to the Green List and the increase in the cap for Recognised Seasonal Employment to 19,500 per season 2023/24. They also include the closing of the Recovery Visa program to new applicants on September 23, 2023, and the addition of additional roles to the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement. These New Zealand immigration updates are intended to streamline immigration procedures and better meet the country’s needs.
1. Green List Updates
17 New Roles Added – After a focused review meeting conducted by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, 17 new roles are added to the Green List as of March 2024. Soon, the government will provide more details about these roles regarding their requirements and residence pathways. The Green List now includes the following roles:
• Aviation Engineer (Avionics, Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineer)
• Naval Architects, also known as Marine Designers
• Mechanical Engineer
• ICT Database and System Administrator
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
• Road Roller Operator
• Paving Plant Operator
• Correctional Officer
• Metal Fabricator
• Pressure Welder
• Welder
• Fitter (General)
• Fitter and Turner
• Fitter-Welder
• Metal Machinist First Class
• Panel Beater
• Vehicle Painter.
2. Work to Residence Pathway Now Accepting Applications
New Zealand visa application for the Work to Residence Pathways under the Green List Agreement and Sector Agreement will be open from September 29, 2023. This includes all the listed occupations.
Suppose you have a minimum of 2 years experience working in a Green List Work-to-Residence or qualifying sector agreement role. In that case, you can apply for a New Zealand visa for residence status, provided that you meet additional criteria regarding age, health and character.
3. Update on Cyclone Gabrielle’s Recovery Visa
The Government officially closed the Recovery Visa application window on September 23, 2023. Existing New Zealand visa holders can extend their Recovery Visa for three months, giving them more time to transition to a longer-term visa if necessary.
Immigration New Zealand will contact existing visa holders when their visas expire and provide them with comprehensive information on the options available. Visa holders who are eligible can check about New Zealand visa requirements and apply for an extension using the online form for the Specific Purpose Work Visa.
4. Increased cap on Recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme
The number of workers that can be employed by the Recognised Seasonal Employment (RSE) Scheme will increase to 19,500 in 2023/2024, 500 more than last year. The new RSE cap allows workers from participating Pacific nations to access the horticulture, wine and other sectors that need a local workforce.
The increase this year reflects the industry’s request for more workers. It also balances the effects of the New Zealand labour markets, such as the expected conditions on the labour market in the next year and the availability of suitable accommodation. In this, the person can apply for a New Zealand work visa.
5. Legislative Modifications to Our Compliance Visits Conducted Outside of Business Hours
The cabinet agreed to amend the Immigration Act 2009 so that a judicial order is required for any out-of-hours activity to ensure compliance. This follows the independent review by Mike Heron KC of out-of-hours compliance visits, which recommended the Government consider legislative changes to specify criteria for such visits.
This change ensures that power is not used disproportionately and that there are legal checks and balances from a third party. MBIE is currently implementing the four operational suggestions made in the report. The officials will continue to work on this legislation change and present a specific proposal before the end of November 2023. The bill will be moved forward separately and passed in the next legislative term as quickly as possible.
6. Construction and Infrastructure Roles
Additional construction and infrastructure roles, such as driller’s assistants, earthmoving workers, machine operators, and others, will be added to the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement. These changes will take place early next year.
Here are some critical updates that you should be aware of if you intend for a New Zealand study visa. If you need expert advice or have questions about New Zealand, please get in touch with the best abroad education consultant in India. Study abroad agencies in India will help you navigate the New Zealand study process.
